A History of Drums and Tribal Music

December 23rd, 2009 | Acoustic Musical Instruments, Drums, Instrument History

Different styles of drums all have their own unique histories. African tribal music and the drums associated with it are completely unique to the other drum types that have been developed throughout the world. One example of an African tribal drum is the Djembe, a drum that has an extraordinary cultural heritage in African. Although the Djembe is similar in cultural use as well as significant to the drums in other countries as well as other tribes spread out over the African continent, the differences that it possesses may be minute but are significant all the same.

The Djembe is a drum that has great cultural heritage to the Mandinka people. Its origins date back as far as the great Mali Empire which existed in the 12th century. Of all of the African drums that were developed throughout history, and those that still exist today, the Djembe has become one of the most important, as it is extremely sought after even in the Western world. This is a drum that has inspired people to develop these drums all over the world, so master Djembe drum makers can be found world wide.

The Djembe has been primarily developed in Mali, especially in and around the Kayes region. This drum is one of many that was developed for cultural and communication purposes more than for general music purposes. While the Djembe can be used to create a variety of different styles of music, it was primarily used to ritual and cultural musical styles, and for communicating within African tribes. The drum rhythm associated with the Djembe, known as Diansa, is performed in the evening time on the day of most celebrations, including but not limited to during full moons, in the spring, in the summer, during winter harvest, during weddings and baptisms, when honoring mothers, immediately following Ramadaan, and numerous other celebrations as well.

Tribal drums and drumming were both developed over time, especially as a means of developing tribal dancing, one of the most popular forms of entertainment. Various different beats and rhythms were played on the Djembe and other tribal drums in order to create the sounds necessary to facilitate the development of these dances. Similar celebrations and cultural rhythms were also applicable in regions of West Africa and Senegal as well. The Djembe saw a great amount of design and development through the years, not only in African regions but all over the world as the importance of tribal music and dancing grew in significance.

The most suitable covering for the surface of a Djembe drum is African goatskin. Central Africa has the perfect climate conditions and the most ideal grazing conditions for goats. The skins provide the best sound when stretched over the heads of the Djembe drums, creating high quality drums as a result. Djembe drums have changed a lot over time to suit their purposes, especially in producing tribal drumming for communication, culture and ritual, and for facilitating the development of African tribal dance.

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Originally posted 2008-12-25 05:35:10. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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