Origins and its present in Europe
Djembe drum is a rope-tuned skin-covered goblet drum played with bare hands. It originated in West Africa in about 12th century and as an instrument was and still is an integral part of rituals and events for many communities. It become very popular in Europe 1950s when Guinea’s national dance company Les Ballets Africains toured Europe to promote traditional African dance and culture.
What does the name Djembe mean?
According to the Bambara people in Mali, the name comes from the saying ‘Anke djé, anke bé’, which translates to ‘Everyone gather together in peace’. Drumming in the circle brings people together the same as Roda the circle of people who gather to play Capoeira. Both Djembe and Capoeira brings people together!
Is Djembe played in Capoeira?
Djembe is not one of the instrument in Capoeira, the drum played in Capoeira is Atabaque drum. At Axé Boom Boom we love playing both Djembe as well as Capoeira instruments, and both are fantastic tools to bring people together. Therefore, at Axé Boom Boom we find solutions to children’s inactivity using Capoeira and Djembe drumming.
Benefits of Djembe drumming
It’s not a secret that music brings great benefits for our health and wellbeing and drumming contribute to that in a big way. Below are some of the benefits of Djembe drumming:
- Improve musicality
- Improve listening skills and develop multitasking abilities
- Improve the way you work in a team
- Improve hand and eye coordination & left and right hand coordination and independence
- Improve concentration and the ability to focus
- Improve confidence & communication
As you can see Djembe drumming is a fantastic activity. We offer Djembe workshops for schools so get in touch if you’d like to book us. Also, Grześ, our Capoeira and Djembe Teacher teaches drumming classes for adults, so please check out his website, Drumming Hands, for more details.
Keep training and drumming!
Kasia
axeboomboom.org 