The Djembe is the most popular style of the African rhythm drums. Belonging to the membranophone family of instruments it is goblet shaped with an animal hide stretched over it. Mostly played by just using the bare hands its shape produces a hard to resist deep tone or bass sound.

Although the origin of the djembe is uncertain it is generally accepted that it dates back to around the 12th century and the time of the Mali Empire where it was used by the Mandinka or Susu tribes, known as Numu. As the Mandinka people migrated across Africa their blacksmiths took the djembe with them spreading its usage all across the continent. The people of these tribes believe that the instrument contains three spirits, one is of the person who makes the djembe, one is from the tree from which the wood is obtained, and one is from the animal whose hide is used for the drum.

Although the hides of other animals were used in the past, most djembes are now made from goatskin and their maker will decorate the drum using carvings and braided rope so that each is unique. No two wooden djembes are the same.

The word djembe was actually given by the French, who in colonial times studied African styles of music and musical instruments. The spelling of djembe reflects the fact that the French language has no hard 'j' as in English, so 'dj' was used instead. This has led to some confusion over the spelling with the drum also being known as jembe, jembay, djimbe or yembe among others. The Susu know it by its traditional name of Sanbayi.

Outside of Africa the drum became popular back in the 1950's and 1960's in Paris when it was used by the ballet ensemble Les Ballet Africains. Since then it has grown, and continues to grow in popularity among drumming enthusiasts the world over who appreciate its unique sound.

Within the Mali culture the djembe is an important and sacred instrument of celebration and ritual. Djembe Rhythms, or Diansa, are played at important times and celebrations throughout the year including weddings, baptisms, full moons, harvest time and the changing of the seasons. The Wolof tribe from Senegal uses the djembe as part of an elaborate dance performed by their women. While the instrument is played the women dance the ‘Sabar’, a provocative dance meant to attract and entice their men. It has even been speculated that the djembe has been used by Africans to convey messages across long distances, with the different sounds encoding a meaning.

The djembe is traditionally played standing up, often with the use of a supporting harness. Although a very versatile solo instrument, in its traditional form the djembe is played in an ensemble of other West African instruments, typically bells and dundun drums.

When the djembe is played by hand there are three basic techniques used to create a rhythm. Striking the middle of the drum with an open palm produces the characteristic deep bass note. Using just fingers to strike the rim of the drum produces what is known as a 'tone'. By relaxing the fingers and striking the rim of the drum a sound called a 'slap' is made.

Today the djembe is produced by professional drum makers all over the world and is sought after by students, tourists, professional musicians and hobbyists alike. Musically it is hard to resist moving to the driving beats of a well-played djembe, and even novices to drumming enjoy the primal energy of handling a djembe.