The Djembe Drums are one of the most identifiable and popular pieces of African Percussion. According to the Bamana people in Mali, the name of the djembe comes from the saying "Anke djé, anke bé" which translates to "everyone gather together in peace".
Djembes can produce a wide variety of sounds, making it one of the most versatile drums. The drum is very loud, allowing it to be heard clearly as a solo instrument over a large percussion ensemble. The Malinké people say that a skilled drummer is one who "can make the djembe talk", meaning that the player can tell an emotional story.
In the 1950s the djembe was seen outside of Africa for the first time since its creation, touring Europe and beyond with Les Ballets Africains, a movement founded to promote African music and culture. The movement grew in world popularity to the present day following the de-colonisation of Africa and is currently the National Ensemble of Guinea. Modern musicians often incorporate the djembe with artists including Paul Simon and Les Cirques du Soleil using the instrument in their works.
Today the djembe is one of the most popular percussion instruments, and they’re customized with different carvings, paints and sizes to suit every player. Why not have a look at our great range of djembes here.
Our most popular range of djembe's are the A-Star models, which come in a variety of sizes from 5 inch to 12 inch. They are also available in different sets, from a mini trio to a 20 player, which are ideal for schools and educational establishments. We have a wide choice of Djembe's here at Normans and you can check them out here!
