The national African wooden drum is rightfully the most versatile and popular percussion instrument in the world. He gained popularity due to the variety of sounds. He owes this to the unique design and close-fitting goatskin, as well as the skill of the performers, some of whom have gained worldwide fame.
A wooden African drum is called a djembe. They play it with hands. It is believed that it was invented in the 12th century in the West African tribe Mandinka, which is now called Mali. Entire generations of Africans play the drum, because it is an integral part of the rituals in Mali, in Guinea, Senegal and other West African countries.
Traditionally, only griots — respected high-class musicians — played on djembe, who used it to initiate the younger generations into the historical, religious and cultural past, in stories about antiquity and about the life of their ancestors. Griots were, and to this day remain, not only outstanding musicians, but also people with deep knowledge, inheriting the wisdom of generations.
Djembe is inextricably linked with dancing and singing. Djembefola (a jamba musician) must know the songs and dance to the rhythm of the drum. Some dances have symbolic meaning and are performed at important events, such as festivals dedicated to asking for rain or a good harvest, at weddings, funerals, or at birth.
Jamba musicians come together in bands called "ballet."
Djembe Design
Djembe has an unusual appearance and structure, due to which a variety of sounds are born. The drum is made in the form of a cup. This shape is cut from a single piece of log. Mandinka traditionally used wood lenga - a sacred tree for the tribe. The upper cup-shaped section of the drum produces sound, and the lower, narrower section of the drum controls the sound volume. The top of the drum is covered with goat skin, which allows you to get high tones and sounds similar to a slap. Goat skin, unlike calf or antelope skin, is thinner and more suitable for a musical instrument. The tension is regulated by twine passing through metal rings. The drum case is painted with ritual murals.
A drum made of glued strips of wood, similar to a djembe, is called ashiko.
