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The New MP Signature series Eco Pro Djembes are now available at X8drums.com in USA and WRP in London soon!
“I am very proud to have this very fine drum offered to my friends and extended drum family. It represents […] Read More »
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My New How To Play Djembe DVD is now available at X8drums.com
Well folks, it is finally here! After a very long road of playing, videoing, shooting, editing and re editing I am very excited to let you all know that my all new DVD, “How To Play Djembe” Volume 1 is now available at X8drums.com. It is over 1 hour and 40 minutes long and covers… Read More »
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When stuff comes up at drum circles or out performing
After I wrote my last blog post I went to the nightly drum circle here in Arambol Beach, Goa, India. […] Read More »
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How To Play A Conga Solo By Yourself With A Band
A conga student asked me recently, “how do I take a solo when I am playing with a band and the band stops, and I am left by myself? No one else is playing, it is just me”? This is a great question and here is how I do it. Read More »
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How to play djembe drums for west african dance class
One thing I have noticed in my many, many moons of drumming is that although someone may be trained in west african drumming music, djembe or dununs and technically be a great or at least a knowledgable djembe player or even drum teacher, it does not mean they know how or can play djembe solo… Read More »
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Understanding the Basic Fundamentals of Playing the Djembe Drum
West African hand drumming and specifically speaking, “traditional djembe drumming” is based on a system of fundamentals or “basics” just like any other type or form of drumming be it Indian, Afro Cuban, Brazilian or even the western drum set. There are rudiments or “basic fundamentals” of djembe playing that can be similar to drum… Read More »
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Who wants to play dununs and what is a djembe solo?
In all my years playing, studying and teaching West African rhythms and percussion I have always come across an interesting […] Read More »
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Djembe drum and percussion workshop with Michael Pluznick in Arambol Goa this winter
In December I will be teaching a very fun and relaxed two week workshop in West African drumming, djembe, dununs and “non competitive” drumming for all levels in the very beautifu, peaceful and exotic village of Arambol , Goa, India. All levels of drummers are welcomed and you do not have to take the entire… Read More »
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“Music In Mali: Life Is Hard, Music Is Good” Movie preview
I am very happy and excited to tell you about an amazing new film documentary by Aja Salvatore called “Music In Mali: Life Is Hard, Music Is Good”. This feature-length documentary is about the musicians, dancers and everyday people of Mali who are creating inspiring heartfelt music in some of the most difficult living conditions… Read More »
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There are many kinds and types of djembe and African drum rhythms
Let’s face the facts. Until Mamady Keita arrived in the USA we were playing djembe ass backwards. For example, Mandiani […] Read More »
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Becoming a drummer, “where do I fit in” some tips on finding balance
Maybe you are a beginer or perhaps you have been drumming a while. A challenge or problem that we all face at one time or another in our drumming life is “where do I fit”? What is the type of music I really want to play and who are the people that I want to… Read More »
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Introducing the new MP Eco Pro 12″ and 13″ wood djembe drums
After field testing and working closely with the Drum Factory and Ed Balma in Ubud, Bali for over a year we now have two new beautiful prototype MP Eco Pro wood djembe models ready for the market, a 12 ” and a 13″ (6ocm and 65cm) ! They will be distributed in the USA by… Read More »
