The rhythm of African drums really gets to you "you can not ignore it: it gets your toes clicking and you are feeling drawn in by the catchy, resonating beat and special sound of these age old instruments that have endured for decades and are still sought-after around the globe. Their influence has spread to various nations, most clearly the Caribbean, the West Indies and Latin America.
Perhaps one of the reasons they are so amazingly popular is that they do not require you to be in a position to read music or have great musical talent: if you have a sense of rhythm you can like playing these drums for hours. In spite of their primitive simplicity: they're so basic; goblet formed, made sometimes of hardwood with goatskin stretched ott; they've an enduring appeal and are played widely even today.
There are many firms which focus on the construction and distribution of these fantastic instruments and you will have no Problems in finding a source for them. Among the premiere brands are Remo, Tiger, Kambala, Toca and Meinl. Some African drums are now made in manmade materials, but if you can get your hands on a real drum, made in Africa, even though it is sort of old, don't hesitate to purchase it, as you will have a treasure in your possession.
Go to almost any African town and you are probably going to hear somebody playing African drums, usually with an audience of a few kids gathered around, with some listening and others dancing coolly to the powerful rhythm. There are genuine videos posted on You Tube, showing just such scenes. You will hear them being played in bars in Jamaica or in cities and villages in Nicaragua or Brazil. After you have the drum in your possession, it is prepared to be played and the more that you play it, the more at ease you'll be with the instrument. Play a piece of acceptable music on a CD and accompany the music with the drum. You'll find limitless methods of easy entertainment for some time.
The most famous African drums are the djembe drum, djun djun, bougarabou, gadzo, conga and kpanlogo but there are others and they have all played a vital role in African culture and religion for centuries. They are used at marriages, funerals, to celebrate births, in ritual dances, at the installation of chiefs and in numerous rites. To Africans they are an integral part of life and an indispensable accompaniment in the assorted events connected with African culture. Take a look at the many sites devoted to these drums and consider buying a few for yourself: you will own history and be linked to the oldest practices in the world.
Perhaps one of the reasons they are so amazingly popular is that they do not require you to be in a position to read music or have great musical talent: if you have a sense of rhythm you can like playing these drums for hours. In spite of their primitive simplicity: they're so basic; goblet formed, made sometimes of hardwood with goatskin stretched ott; they've an enduring appeal and are played widely even today.
There are many firms which focus on the construction and distribution of these fantastic instruments and you will have no Problems in finding a source for them. Among the premiere brands are Remo, Tiger, Kambala, Toca and Meinl. Some African drums are now made in manmade materials, but if you can get your hands on a real drum, made in Africa, even though it is sort of old, don't hesitate to purchase it, as you will have a treasure in your possession.
Go to almost any African town and you are probably going to hear somebody playing African drums, usually with an audience of a few kids gathered around, with some listening and others dancing coolly to the powerful rhythm. There are genuine videos posted on You Tube, showing just such scenes. You will hear them being played in bars in Jamaica or in cities and villages in Nicaragua or Brazil. After you have the drum in your possession, it is prepared to be played and the more that you play it, the more at ease you'll be with the instrument. Play a piece of acceptable music on a CD and accompany the music with the drum. You'll find limitless methods of easy entertainment for some time.
The most famous African drums are the djembe drum, djun djun, bougarabou, gadzo, conga and kpanlogo but there are others and they have all played a vital role in African culture and religion for centuries. They are used at marriages, funerals, to celebrate births, in ritual dances, at the installation of chiefs and in numerous rites. To Africans they are an integral part of life and an indispensable accompaniment in the assorted events connected with African culture. Take a look at the many sites devoted to these drums and consider buying a few for yourself: you will own history and be linked to the oldest practices in the world.
About the Author:
Claudia Kasen favours the sound of African music especially the Doumbek drum. View her wide selection of pretty real African drums at her website thru the link provided.
