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Tell a story with rhythm and tones by playing African drums. Learn how to play the djembe and other drums in this free video series from a musician.
There are 21 videos in this series:
The djembe is played at all kinds of celebrations. Learn the history and purpose of playing African drums in this free video lesson from a musician.
The cone at the bottom of a djembe allows it to project sound. Learn what a djembe is made out of in this free African drum video from a musician.
Use a flat palm to make bass sounds on a djembe drum. Learn how to use your hands to create deep bass sounds on a djembe in this free African drum video from a musician.
A djembe will make different tones based on how you use your hands. Learn how to make different djembe tones in this free African drum video from a musician.
Relax the hand when slapping a djembe drum. Learn how to pull the hand off of a djembe to make slap sounds in this free African drum video from a musician.
Combine six different sounds on a djembe to tell a story with music. Learn how to make six sounds on a djembe drum in this free African drum video from a musician.
Kuku rhythm is very popular all over Africa. Learn how to play kuku on a djembe in this free African drum video from a musician.
There are three basic sounds for a kuku rhythm. Learn how to play a kuku rhythm on the djembe in this free African drum video from a musician.
There is no bass on the second part of kuku. Learn how to play kuku with a djembe in this free African drum video from a musician.
Use two sticks to play kuku on a songba drum. Learn how to play the songba parts of a kuku rhythm in this free African drum video from a musician.
A kenkini drum is a smaller African drum. Learn how to play the kenkini part of a kuku rhythm in this free African drum video from a musician.
The doundoun drum requires a lot of force to play. Learn the doundoun part for a kuku rhythm in this free African drum video from a musician.
Sometimes an African drummer needs to play two different drum parts. Learn how to play drum parts on two drums in this free African drum video from a musician.
Let the stick move away from the drum for a slap, and keep it closed for a press. Learn how to slap and press an African drum in this free African drum video from a musician.
Keep the hands in good shape to play the djembe. Learn how to exercise the hands for drumming in this free African drum video from a musician.
An African drum is used to talk, so use the hands to make different sounds. Learn exercises for playing the djembe in this free African drum video from a musician.
Achieve balance in African drumming through hand exercises. Learn how to practice djembe drumming in this free African drum video from a musician.
There are many ways to play a djembe drum. Learn how to discover new sounds on a djembe in this free African drum video from a musician.
Remember to have fun when playing African drums. Learn how to play low drums in this free African drum video from a musician.
The body needs to be straight and balanced to play the djembe. Learn how to use good posture to be a better drummer in this free African drum video from a musician.
Djembe drums are used to tell a story without words. Learn how a musician gives a djembe performance in this free African drum video.
The djembe is a large, goblet-shaped drum that is skin-covered and played with bare hands. The drum is a membranophone, meaning its covering is a shell, usually rawhide. Its origins trace back to West Africa, where it is a monumental part of the culture and musical history. According to African tradition, the djembe contains certain spirits which motivate the drummer and are an active part of the experience for the listener, as well. While the djembe drum has found popularity in the Western world as a part of a drum circle, its intended ensemble use is with a doundoun drum and bells. Soloists or lead drummers will beat rhythms to accent and accompany dancers, signaling changes in dance steps as well as adapting to the dance.
African drums, such as the djembe, can be used to produce a variety of tones and unique sounds. In this free video series, a musician will teach you how to play the djembe and how to produce different sounds and rhythms. Starting with bass sounds, tones, and techniques for slapping a djembe, you'll move on to learn about playing kuku rhythms on a djembe. You'll also learn how to play kuku parts on a songba, kenkini, and doundoun drum. African djembe drumming requires a lot of skill and practice, and this musician will introduce a number of hand exercises for you to practice. With these tips and techniques, you'll be able to tell your own story with a djembe in no time.
Jan Sebon Jan Sebon has been an authentic presence in the South Florida arts scene. As a poet, musician, teacher and media personality, he continues to define the Haitian experience with a unique voice based on his own life experiences and culture. Sebon may be reached at (954) 929-2369.dkdk
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