Priority Music

The popularity of percussion instruments has increased and foremost among such instruments are the world renowned African drums, best known of which must be the djembe drum. Their use dates back for many centuries, where they were used extensively in rituals, ceremonies, in battles, at weddings and funerals. They were sometimes used for alerting nearby tribes to approaching danger and the distinction in sound relayed meaningful messages to those who understood. Their hypnotic rhythms were used to prepare warriors for fighting, to overcome their fears and to excite them to victory.

They were made of hardwood, were goblet shaped, hollow and had stretched goatskin on top. They are played by beating the bare hands on the goatskin, which was kept taut by use of ropes or cords. The design has basically not changed but today many manufacturers use plantation grown mahogany or synthetic materials which noticeably change the distinctive sound of the djembe. The leading brands of African drums are Kambala, Toca, Remo and Tiger although there are others just as well known. We advise you to purchase from a reputable company which has a well established reputation and guarantee their instruments. It is also important that they offer the facility of returning a faulty or damaged instrument.

Because of their immense popularity, versions and variations of these drums will be found throughout the world, with many featuring widely in modern music and culture, e.g. in Latin American and West Indian music. It is amazing that such a basic instrument has had such appeal and throughout the centuries has remained virtually the same. Its pounding and intense beats have been used extensively in reggae and jazz and even today there is still an almost insatiable demand for African drums.

You will have no difficulty in sourcing them and we hope that the information contained in this site will be helpful and informative and enable you to make an informed choice. You will enjoy many hours of pleasurable entertainment and many will admit to these drums having a calming effect in stress. They are so simple to use; they require no pre-setting of controls and are only limited by your energy and imagination. Devise your own rhythms, create your own patterns and use your creations as accompaniments to some of your favourite music or songs. The possibilities are endless and the potential of such a simple instrument is well nigh unlimited.

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