Nothing says more about African music than percussion instruments. It is the common ground for most African activities . In the olden days, African music was used to bring African people together, they often had social gathering, social meetings and ritual events. Due to the need to participate in the community, the Africans would play percussion instruments, the most rhythmic musical instruments they had. Below are just some of the widely used African percussion instruments.
The Drum Known as Djembe
If you find a drum that has an animal skin covered head, then you have just come across the djembe drum. is characterized by a thick upper body partnered with a thinner lower body which makes the drum look like a goblet. The body is typically made from an echoing log to create various acoustics. The head is secured over the body with the use of ropes although, in today’s world, some makers use steel hoops, nylon core ropes, and rubbers in tightening and tuning the drum. Djembe is , oftentimes, the main piece of the percussion section. It has different tones and tunes depending upon the size of the instrument. A drummer would usually strike the head with his fingers or hands to create various tones.
Udu
In the African language, “udu” is a type of drinking vessel and it is usually made of clay. This former drinking vessel has an extra hole in its body to produce sounds. The sound it creates is similar to that produced by a glass bottle. In order to produce a sound, you cover the top hole with one hand while the other hand manipulates the other hole. This will then create a wide range of different tones.
Slit Drums
Slit drums is another common percussion instrument in Africa. It is usually made from hollowed wood or carved wood which allows it to produce a sound. Logs and bamboos are oftentimes the materials used increating this drum. Drums and mallets are, oftentimes, used to strike the drum in order to produce a sound. Just like udu, the slit drum also produces a rainbow of tones.
Double Bells
When two metallic bells are combined in a horseshoe fashion, you get what is known as Double Bells. Double Bells are played with mallets in order to produce two kinds of sounds. In the African percussion instruments, double bells are the ones that mark measures and keep the pace for the other percussion players.
Other African percussion instruments include hand-shakers, wooden xylophones, and lamellophones (finger pianos).
If you are looking to purchase an African instrument, including djembes drums visit the Djembe Drum Shop for a great selection. You may also require a djembe bag for your drum.