Category: Blog
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“The Spell of Rhythm”: Understanding the Phonetic Nature of West African Rhythms
“The Spell of Rhythm”: Understanding the Phonetic Nature of West African Rhythms The world of drumming, particularly when it comes to West African rhythms, opens up a fascinating discourse on the spelling and transcribing of these vibrant sounds. For many, the written word serves as the foundation of learning and understanding music. However, in the… Read More »
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About the Djembe Drum and how it is perceived
When it comes to the pricing of traditional musical instruments, particularly drums such as the djembe and conga, the judgments people make about their worth can be deeply misinformed and influenced by cultural biases. Many individuals fail to grasp the significant amount of work, craftsmanship, and cultural significance that underpin these instruments, leading to a… Read More »
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Your Djembe Solo and Accompaniment parts
Djembe drumming from West Africa, particularly through the teachings of masters like M’Bemba Bangoura, reveals a depth and richness that transcends mere performance. The act of playing a djembe solo serves multifaceted roles that enhance the communal experience of music, dance, and celebration. The Role of a Djembe Solo At its core, a djembe solo… Read More »
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The Journey of a Drummer: Embracing the Process
The Journey of a Drummer: Embracing the Process As a drummer, I’ve come to realize that the journey of learning is just as important as the destination. Each time I tackle a new rhythm or technique, it feels like a fresh challenge—a blank canvas inviting me to create. While mastering something new can be daunting,… Read More »
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Why we study
Surrounded by the strength and inspiration of the majestic local mountains, cascading waterfalls, and the hundreds of temples that dot this incredible landscape, I find myself on a transformative journey with my personal training program. Progressing gradually yet purposefully, I am weaving together a tapestry of everything I’ve learned along my path into a cohesive… Read More »
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Finding the balance
As many of you may have gathered from my online presence or our friendships, discussions, or collaborations, I feel compelled to share a bit about my background and the diverse influences that have shaped my musical journey. Like many of you, I bring a rich tapestry of experiences to the table, and I take pride… Read More »
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How The Djembe Is seen
I want to begin by expressing my deep respect for the drum circle community, a vibrant space where music and camaraderie flourish. Some of my dearest friends are passionately involved in this community, and their commitment to fostering joy and connection through drumming is truly inspiring. My intention here is not to insult or undermine… Read More »
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Teach Your Children Well
The rise in children’s participation in drum circles reflects a broader trend toward experiential learning and the power of music as a form of expression. It’s heartwarming to see kids engaging in joyful rhythms, their laughter and creativity echoing in these vibrant spaces. However, as parents and educators nurture this budding interest, it’s crucial to… Read More »
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The Importance of the dunun
With my new sound room in the condo we’re renting, I’ve been able to delve deeper into formal dunun studies and West African music, and I’m truly appreciative of this renewed focus. As I’ve been playing the dunun more often, I’ve taken the time to revisit the individual playing styles, approaching each part one at… Read More »
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Respecting Our Instruments
Since we’re discussing the importance of respecting our instruments and educating others about recognizing our drums as valuable musical instruments, equal to any other in terms of value be it their contribution to music, or as a physical musical instrument, I wanted to share my drum hat with you. The other item was my drum… Read More »
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Unity of the drum-it’s not about flash!
Every day at the gym, I find myself on a machine, watching YouTube videos about drumming. It’s incredible to see how much West African and Afro-Cuban drumming styles have evolved over the last 50 years since I first started drumming. The skill and advancements in these styles truly impress me, much like how athletes in… Read More »
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Why are there so many cracked drum shells?
The increase in cracked or repaired djembe drums we see from West Africa can be attributed to several factors: 1. Lack of Proper Drying Time Traditional methods of drying wood involve allowing it to season naturally over several years. However, to meet high demand, some drum makers might be using wood that hasn’t been properly… Read More »