Djembes -

Djembes are commonly about 12" (30 cm) in diameter and 24" (60 cm) in height, varying a few inches. They can also be found at many smaller sizes, from 5" (13 cm) up to 18" (46 cm) in diameter. As a result of the goblet shape, the density of the wood, the internal carvings, and the skin, there is a wide range of tones that can be produced by the djembe. The rounded shape with the extended tube of the djembe body forms a device known in physics as a Helmholtz resonator, giving it the deep bass note. The primary notes are generally referred to as "bass", "tone" and "slap", though a variety of other tones can be produced by advanced players. The slap has a high, sharp sound and the tone is more "round" and full. The bass is the lowest. We carry many sizes and patterns from simple to intricately hand-carved. Prices vary. Back to top

(pronounced / JEM-bay) also known as djimbe, jenbe, jembe, yembe - a skin covered hand drum, shaped like a large goblet, and played with bare hands. The djembe in West Africa is an integral part of the region's musical tradition and culture. The djembe is now popular all over the world.)

Ngoma -

The Ngoma is a tall, free-standing drum with cow-hide head. It is possibly the oldest form of drum from Africa. Some performers use a waist strap to tilt the Ngoma, for full resonance. The style shown on the left has short "legs" cut in the base to allow for the full tone without requiring tilting while you play. Many people especially like this feature. We stock a variety of Ngomas, ranging from intricately carved to basic. Back to top

DjunDjun -

West African bass drums that developed alongside the djembe in the Mande drum ensemble. There are three named the kenkeni (smallest), sangban (medium) and doundounba (largest). The kenkeni has the highest pitch and usually holds the rhythm together with a simple pattern. The sangban typically has a more complex part which defines the rhythm. The doundounba often serves to add depth with deep, widely spaced notes. These drums provide a rhythmic and melodic base for the djembe ensemble. Back to top

 Talking Drums -

Talking drums are one of the oldest instruments used by West African griots and their history can be traced back to ancient Ghana Empire. The Hausa people (and by influence, the Yoruba people of south western Nigeria and Benin and the Dagomba of northern Ghana) have developed a highly sophisticated genre of griot music centering on the talking drum.

In the 20th century the talking drum became a part of popular music in West Africa. It is used in playing Mbalax music of Senegal and in Fuji and Jùjú music of Nigeria (where it known as a dundun, not to be confused with the dundun bass drum of the Mandé peoples.) Among the Wolof people of Senegal, the talking drum (known as a tama) is an hour-glass shaped drum with two heads (goat, lizard (iguana), or fish skin) tuned by straps that connect the heads with each other.

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Percussion Instruments -

We also carry a wide assortment of African percussion instruments. Ask for any particular item you don't find illustrated on our site. Back to top