African Drumming

Discussion in 'Performing Arts' started by Comfortably Numb, Jan 13, 2006.

  1. Comfortably Numb

    Comfortably Numb Member

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    I didn't look through all the threads in this forum, so I hope i'm not repeating anything.

    I'm looking to talk with other African drummers. I am new to the drumming scene and would like to just chat about the craft, etc.
     
  2. yovo

    yovo Member

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    hey there, I've been drumming for 2 years now, started when I was overseas living and working in Benin(tiny country in west africa). My djembe is from mali, got it at an artisan village in the capital city, REALLY good deal, about $25 cdn with a travel case. And it just so happened that I knew a guy who was a drum and dance teacher by profession, so I lucked out even further and got private lessons with him and a friend of mine once a week.

    But since I've come home I havn't had much of a chance to jam with others, I've maybe done 3 or 4 drum circles since, otherwise I just jam to music on my stereo and explore the sound. As a result I don't really play in the traditional african style anymore, kind of have my own technique. But I'd love to get into a drumming circle, probably have to wait till I move to a place with one though.

    Anyways, ya, there's my drumming history, haha, what's yours? what got you into it? pictures of your drum? in any drumming circles?

    catch ya later, peace

    oh, and a little something something I had on my gallery, from left to right is myself, Mauice (our instructor) and Graeme:

    [​IMG]
     
  3. PacificPro

    PacificPro Member

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    I just got a djembe and am looking for some inspiration/instruction. I was wondering if anyone knew of some websites or had recordings of some african rhythms to play. I would love to hear someone else playing a djembe. Thanks for any help in advance and happy drumming!
     
  4. teh-horace

    teh-horace for your pleasure

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    it's such a wonderful and beautiful thing
    it makes the best coolest form of music
    wish i could play a djembe...i should get one
     
  5. Peacebucket

    Peacebucket Member

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    i really want to get a djembe, so i am saving up. anyways, are they hard to play, do you have to play them a certain way?
    -peace
     
  6. Comfortably Numb

    Comfortably Numb Member

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    There are some websites out there. Let me find them and i'll post them for you!
     
  7. Comfortably Numb

    Comfortably Numb Member

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  8. Duke of Prunes

    Duke of Prunes Member

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    listen to Babatunde Olatunji.... every drum circle you will see or hear in america is influenced by his arrangements and polyrhythmic patterns. the djembe has amazing versatility, and every drum is unique and has it's own distinct sound. as for a certain way to play it you've got youre bass, open, and slap tones. from there you can do anything. thats the beautiful thing about hand drums. anybody can play them. drums have been around longer than any other instrument. it touches a special part of the soul. the rhythm gets inside you. keep on living the music.
     
  9. Aztecdrummer

    Aztecdrummer Member

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    Surely search out an instructor if your serious about Djembe, being in a drum circle is great but if you know nothing about Djembe you will not feel your true self in playing. What is your area of living? There are many good Djembe instructors all over the states. Peace In Music..
     
  10. drumminmama

    drumminmama Super Moderator Super Moderator

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    Glen Velez' web-site has instructional dvds for sale
    www.glenvelez.com

    Uncle Mafufo has some great stuff for Middle Eastern drumming:
    www.unclemafufo.com

    Souhail Kaspar has a great one for Arabic drumming, for Doumbek and frame-drums:
    www.neareastmusic.com

    alternativeculture.com/music/rhythm.htm there are online djembe lessons to help get her started. the GDdgPT method was from Babatunde Olatunji. His video goes through the method. I'm trying to find a certain african drumming book as well and if i can remember the name i'll pass it along.

    also, this might be a good start, djemberhythms.com/roots.htm

    www.africantreasures.com/media/books.asp
     
  11. snelio37

    snelio37 Member

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    check out the book "how to play djembe- west african rhythms for beginners" by alan dworsky and betsy sansby. also, give a listen to mamady keita and famodou konate.
     
  12. jacobfredjo

    jacobfredjo Senior Member

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    i love tribal circles. Theres so much spiritual energy that magically is created when a bunch of people get in a circle are start bangin shit. I went to a drum circle last summer and it lasted ALLLL day. It was a very humbling and interesting experience. Ever since, ive fallen in love with all sorts of african drums
     

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