The rhythm of African drums truly gets to you "you cannot ignore it: it can get your toes drumming and you feel drawn in by the strong, resonating beat and characteristic sound of these traditional instruments that have endured for centuries and are still well-liked internationally. Their influence has spread to several nations, most clearly the Caribbean, the West Indies and Latin 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 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 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.
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 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 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 particularly the Doumbek drum. View her big variety of stunning authentic African drums at her site through the link provided.