Saturday, September 3, 2011

Age Old Attraction of African Drums

By Claudia Kasen


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.

Maybe one of the explanations they are so popular is they don't need you to be able to read music or have great musical talent: if you've a sense of rhythm you can enjoy playing these drums for several hours. Despite their primitive simplicity: they are so uncomplicated; goblet shaped, made usually of hardwood with goatskin stretched over the top; they have got 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 virtually any African village and you are probably going to hear somebody playing African drums, generally with an audience of 1 or 2 children gathered around, with some listening and others dancing carelessly to the inspiring rhythm. There are authentic videos posted on You Tube, picturing just such scenes. You may hear them being played in bars in Jamaica or in cities and hamlets in Nicaragua or Brazil. When 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 chunk of suitable music on a CD and accompany the music with the drum. You'll find inexhaustible techniques of easy entertainment for hours.

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.




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