African percussion is a foundational element of global music, characterized by its complex rhythms and diverse range of instruments. From the iconic djembe to the melodic kalimba, these instruments serve as more than just musical tools; they are vital components of social, spiritual, and cultural gatherings. Understanding African percussion requires looking at both the physical instruments and the unique rhythmic structures they create.
Whether you are a musician looking to expand your skills or a curious listener, exploring these sounds offers a deeper appreciation for the history of rhythm. This guide provides a straightforward overview of the most common African percussion instruments, how they are played, and how you can get started with your own rhythmic journey.
Common Types of African Drums
Drums are perhaps the most recognizable category of African percussion. While there are hundreds of variations across the continent, several types are widely used in both traditional and contemporary music settings.
The Djembe
The djembe is a rope-tuned, skin-covered goblet drum played with bare hands. Originally from West Africa, specifically the Mandinka people, it has become one of the most popular drums worldwide.
- Shape: The goblet shape allows the drum to produce a wide range of tones.
- Sound: It is known for three primary sounds: the deep bass, the medium tone, and the sharp slap.
- Versatility: Its loud volume and expressive range make it a lead instrument in many ensembles.
The Talking Drum
The talking drum is an hourglass-shaped instrument known for its ability to mimic the pitch and cadence of human speech. It is most common in West African countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal.
The player places the drum under their arm and squeezes the leather tension cords to change the pitch of the drum head while striking it with a curved mallet. This allows the drummer to “speak” through the instrument, sending messages or telling stories across distances.
Dunun (Bass Drums)
The dunun (also known as dundun) is a set of cylindrical drums that provide the rhythmic and melodic foundation for West African drum ensembles. They are typically played with sticks and often have a bell attached to the top.
- Dununba: The largest drum, providing the deepest bass.
- Sangban: The medium-sized drum, which often defines the specific rhythm of a song.
- Kenkeni: The smallest drum, responsible for keeping a steady, high-pitched beat.
Idiophones and Melodic Percussion
Not all percussion instruments in Africa are drums with skins. Many fall into the category of idiophones, which are instruments that create sound through the vibration of the entire instrument body.
The Shekere
The shekere consists of a dried gourd covered in a woven net of beads, shells, or seeds. It is played by shaking it, slapping it against the palm, or pulling the net to create a sharp, percussive sound. It is a staple in West African folk music and provides a consistent rhythmic texture.
The Balafon
The balafon is a wooden xylophone-like instrument that uses dried gourds as resonators beneath the wooden keys. It is a melodic percussion instrument, meaning it can play scales and harmonies. Players use mallets with rubber tips to strike the keys, producing a warm, buzzing tone that is central to the music of the Griot tradition.
Mbira and Kalimba
Often referred to as “thumb pianos,” the mbira and kalimba consist of metal tines attached to a wooden board or box. The player plucks the tines with their thumbs to produce soft, bell-like tones. While the mbira is a sacred instrument of the Shona people in Zimbabwe, the kalimba is a modernized version that has gained popularity globally.
Key Concepts in African Rhythm
What sets African percussion apart is not just the instruments themselves, but how they are used together. African music is built on several core rhythmic principles that differ from Western musical traditions.
Polyrhythm
Polyrhythm is the simultaneous use of two or more conflicting rhythms that are not readily perceived as deriving from one another. For example, one instrument might play in a 4/4 time signature while another plays in 3/4. When layered together, these rhythms create a complex, driving energy that is a hallmark of African music.
Call and Response
In many African percussion traditions, the music is a conversation. A lead drummer will play a specific rhythmic phrase (the call), and the rest of the ensemble or the audience will respond with a specific pattern (the response). This keeps the music dynamic and encourages community participation.
The Timeline or Bell Pattern
In many West African ensembles, a steady, repeating pattern played on a bell or woodblock serves as the “timeline.” This pattern acts as the anchor for the entire group, ensuring that all the complex polyrhythms stay in sync with one another.
How to Choose Your First Percussion Instrument
If you are interested in learning African percussion, choosing the right instrument is the first step. Consider your space, your budget, and the type of sound you enjoy.
- Portability: A small djembe or a kalimba is easy to transport. Larger drums like the dunun require more space and a dedicated vehicle for transport.
- Material: Authentic drums often use goat or cow skin and solid wood. While these sound better, they are sensitive to weather. Synthetic heads and shells are more durable and easier to maintain for beginners.
- Volume: Drums like the djembe are very loud. If you live in an apartment, you might prefer a quieter instrument like the mbira or a smaller shaker.
Basic Playing Techniques
To get a good sound out of a drum, you must master the basic strokes. Most hand drums rely on three fundamental hits:
- The Bass: Strike the center of the drum with your palm flat and fingers together. This produces a deep, resonant sound.
- The Tone: Strike the edge of the drum with your fingers together, hitting the rim with the top of your palm. The hand should bounce off quickly to let the drum ring.
- The Slap: Strike the edge with your fingers slightly relaxed, allowing the tips to “snap” against the skin. This creates a sharp, high-pitched crack.
Maintenance and Care for Your Instruments
Proper care will ensure your percussion instruments last for many years. Because many are made from natural materials, they are susceptible to environmental changes.
Keep your drums away from extreme temperatures. Heat can cause the skin to dry out and snap, while cold or humidity can make the skin go flat and lose its tone. If you have a rope-tuned drum, you may occasionally need to “pull” the ropes to tighten the tension and restore the pitch.
For wooden instruments like the balafon, avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can crack the wood or the gourd resonators. Regularly wiping down metal tines on a kalimba with a dry cloth will prevent rust from finger oils.
Summary of African Percussion
African percussion is a rich field of study that combines physical skill with cultural history. By learning about the different types of drums, idiophones, and the polyrhythmic structures they create, you can better understand the roots of modern genres like jazz, blues, and Latin music. Whether you choose to play or simply listen, these instruments offer a powerful way to connect with rhythm.
To continue your journey into the world of music and instruments, feel free to explore our other guides on basic drumming techniques, world music history, and how to choose the right musical gear for your home.