The rhythm of African drums actually gets to you "you can't ignore it: it will get your toes tapping and you're feeling drawn in by the intense, resonating beat and distinctive sound of these ancient instruments that have endured for many years and are still popular the world over. Their influence has spread to many countries, most noticeably the Caribbean, the West Indies and South 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 a few companies which specialize in the manufacture and distribution of these dazzling instruments and you'll have absolutely no issues in finding a source for them. Among the number one brands are Remo, Tiger, Kambala, Toca and Meinl. Some African drums are now manufactured in synthetic materials, but if you can get your hands on a genuine drum, made in Africa, although it is reasonably old, do not hesitate to buy it, as you'll 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 best known African drums are the djembe drum, djun djun, bougarabou, gadzo, conga and kpanlogo but there are others and they have all played a vital part in African culture and faith for many years. They're used at weddings, funerals, to celebrate births, in ritual dances, at the installation of chiefs and in several ceremonies. To Africans they are an important part of life and an essential accompaniment in the various events linked with African culture. Try the many sites dedicated to these drums and consider purchasing one or two for yourself: you may own history and be linked to the oldest traditions 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 a few companies which specialize in the manufacture and distribution of these dazzling instruments and you'll have absolutely no issues in finding a source for them. Among the number one brands are Remo, Tiger, Kambala, Toca and Meinl. Some African drums are now manufactured in synthetic materials, but if you can get your hands on a genuine drum, made in Africa, although it is reasonably old, do not hesitate to buy it, as you'll 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 best known African drums are the djembe drum, djun djun, bougarabou, gadzo, conga and kpanlogo but there are others and they have all played a vital part in African culture and faith for many years. They're used at weddings, funerals, to celebrate births, in ritual dances, at the installation of chiefs and in several ceremonies. To Africans they are an important part of life and an essential accompaniment in the various events linked with African culture. Try the many sites dedicated to these drums and consider purchasing one or two for yourself: you may own history and be linked to the oldest traditions in the world.
About the Author:
Claudia Kasen favours the sound of African music particularly the Doumbek drum. View her big variety of beautiful genuine African drums at her internet site through the link provided.
