Please call us on 01242 282191 to place your order. Our friendly team will be more than happy to answer any questions that you have.
Djembe History
The Djembe is a particularly popular style of African rhythm drum. The Djembe was the traditional drum of the Mandinka people of the 12th Century Mali Empire which stretched across much of North West Africa, versions of the Djembe drum are found across many West African countries.
The instrument is named after the Djem tree which was traditionally used in the construction of the drum body, with the word 'be' referring to the goat hide used to skin the drum. The craftsman would take a section of the tree and carve a drum shell in one piece in the shape of the mortars used to pound grain into flour. The goat skin was then stretched across the djembe shell and secured with an intricate rope knot system that also provided tension and the ability to tune the drum.
This process has not changed much in centuries although modern materials have been introduced. Whilst modern synthetic skins, rope and a huge variety of shell materials are now used, the traditional skills and materials are generally believed to hold a superior sound.
Djembe playing holds an important place in traditional Mali culture. It is a sacred instrument of celebration and ritual. Djembe rhythms (or Diansa) are played at important times of the year such as on a full moon or during harvest time and to mark special occasions such as a wedding or Eid ul-Fitr (marking the end of Ramadan). These celebrations are an integral part of African cultural heratige and involve the whole community. Dance also plays an imortant part of these celebrations and often particular Djembe rhythms and specific dances are practiced in harmony to tell a story from local tradition or as the appropriate ritual for a particular occasion. Djembe are also used for communicating over large distances in rural areas.
The Djembe is traditionally played standing up, sometimes with a supporting harness, although it can also be played in a seated position. It has a wide range of rhythmic sounds and is a very versatile solo instrument or it can be played in an ensemble with other West African instruments. The drum skin is struck with both hands to make a rhythm from 3 basic tones; bass, open and slap; as well as a variety of other techniques.
To buy individual Djembes, please visit our retail partners at Orchid Trading
Please call us on 01242 282191 to place your order Our friendly team will be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have.
65cm Pro Tribal Djembe
The undesputed king of our Djembe drums, this drum is unsurpassed in range and tone with a bass note that fills any size performance space. High quality rope binding, natural goat skin and expertly hand crafted body makes this instrument a drummers dream.
(mdj025) 65cm x 38cm 15" head. Price: £67.50
Pro Tribal Djembe
A truly awesome Djembe for the professional player. The inner surface of the Mahogany wood body is hand shaped by master craftsmen to achieve the best tone. The large drum skin allows a full range of sound with crisp top notes and deep resonant bass.
(mdj010) 50cm x 30cm 12" head. Price: £49.99
Pro Bevel Djembe
A truly awesome Djembe for the professional player. The inner surface of the Mahogany wood body is hand shaped by master craftsmen to achieve the best tone. The large drum skin allows a full range of sound with crisp top notes and deep resonant bass.
(mdj011) 50cm x 30cm 12" head. Price: £49.99
Jammer Tribal Djembe
A serious performance Djembe, crafted from sustainable Mahogany and tuned with high quality rope. This Djembe is a great solo drum with a full range of notes and sounds, it also makes a great rhythmic accompaniment to other instruments.
(mdj014) 40cm x 20cm 8" head. Black
(mdj015) 40cm x 20cm 8" head. Nat. Price: £21.99
Jammer Swirl Djembe
A serious performance Djembe, crafted from sustainable Mahogany and tuned with high quality rope. This Djembe is a great solo drum with a full range of notes and sounds, it also makes a great rhythmic accompaniment to other instruments.
(mdj012) 40cm x 20cm 8" head. Black
(mdj013) 40cm x 20cm 8" head. Nat. Price: £21.99
Large Rough Bark Djembe
Larger and with even more impact than its 40cm cousin, this Djembe is a fantastic lead drum for workshops and drumming circles. The bass tones are deep and resonant and the slap tones crisp and sharp. Carved with a natural bark style finish.
(mdj023) 50cm x 27cm 10.5" head. Dark
(mdj024) 50cm x 27cm 10.5" head. Nat. Price: £29.99
Medium Rough Bark Djembe
A definate step-up from our entry level drums this Djembe is a great performance drum with good range and a deep tone. Excellent for the more serious Djembe player. Carved with a natural bark style finish.
(mdj021) 40cm x 22cm 8.5" head. Dark.
(mdj021) 40cm x 22cm 8.5" head. Nat. Price: £21.99
Painted Djembe
Similar to our Large Djembe, this Djembe has a larger skin diameter creating a deeper and more resonant tone. The sustainable mahogany wood body is hand turned and finished in a traditional paint design.
(mdj016) 30cm x 17cm 6.5" head. Price: £8.50
Large Djembe
Our Largest size of entry level drum. This Djembe has a larger skin diameter creating a deeper and more resonant tone. The sustainable mahogany wood body is hand turned and carved with an intricate tribal pattern.
(mdj018) 30cm x 17cm 6.5" head. Black
(mdj019) 30cm x 17cm 6.5" head. Nat.
(mdj020) 30cm x 17cm 6.5" head. Choc. Price: £8.50
Medium Djembe
Our Medium Djembe and a firm favourite, the larger skin allows more range of notes and carries a more resonant sound than the smaller drums. Each Djembe is hand turned from sustainable Mahogany wood and carved with an intricate tribal pattern.
(mdj005) 25cm x 17cm 6.5" head. Black
(mdj006) 25cm x 17cm 6.5" head. Nat.
(mdj017) 25cm x 17cm 6.5" head. Choc. Price: £6.95
Small Djembe
Our entry level Djembe and a very popular choice with beginners. The drum is hand finished with an intricate tribal carving. Great as part of a drumming group or as a travelling Djembe for street performance.
(mdj002) 20cm x 15cm 6" head. Black.
(mdj003) 20cm x 15cm 6" head. Nat.
(mdj004) 20cm x 15cm 6" head. Choc. Price: £4.95
Mini Djembe
Our smallest Djembe is fantastic for tiny hands! Useful as a teaching aid or as a high note in an ensemble drumming group, the small size of the skin does not have the range and depth of our larger Djembes. A popular low cost choice with parents and teachers.
(mdj001) 12cm x 9cm 3.5" head. Price: £1.95 (minimum order of 5 units)
World Rhythm Percussion is proud to offer quality percussion instruments on a wholesale, dropship and FOB basis. Please call us on 01242 282191 to discuss which service would be most appropriate for your needs.
Djembes - Wholesale African drums
