Expand Your Musical Horizons With West African Drumming Lessons

Expand Your Musical Horizons With West African Drumming Lessons

West Africa is a wonderful region to discover, since it’s home to a potpourri of cultures, languages and traditions. 

For instance, did you know that the region has over 1,500 languages and various ethnic groups? These include Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and Fulani.

The region is also composed of diverse landscapes, from the Sahel in the north to tropical rainforests in countries like Liberia and Sierra Leone.  From savannas and coastal plains to mountainous regions, West Africa has it all. 

West Africa is particularly famous for its vibrant music and dance traditions. Genres like Afrobeat, Highlife, Juju and traditional drumming and dance forms are renowned not only in the region but have also influenced music all over the world. 

If you would like to learn more about West African culture, Jah Dia Folila specialises in djembe drumming lessons in London. 

This style of music has its roots in West African regions like Mali, Guinea, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. Learning to play the djembe is a wonderful way to connect with the rich traditions, rhythms and fascinating history of these cultures.

West Africa is also renowned for its traditional art forms, including intricate wood carvings, textiles and metalwork. Many Djembe drums are decorated with beautiful colours and patterns. 

We have a wide range of Djembe drums for sale to help you get started. 

All our drums are well-made, long-lasting and attractive, making them ideal for anyone investing in this type of instrument.

Historically, a djembe is carved from a single piece of hardwood, usually from a tree like the African hardwoods lenke, djala, or dougou. The drumhead is made of goat skin, which is stretched and secured with a system of ropes or cords.

The djembe has three main tones: bass, tone, and slap. Advanced players can produce a variety of sounds by striking different parts of the drumhead. For instance, the bass comes from the centre, the tone from the edges, and the slap from the area between the centre and the edge.

Drumming is a wonderful way to enhance a range of skills. 

It not only provides you with a physical workout, but can enhance coordination, motor skills, and muscle strength. It also stimulates the brain, enhancing cognitive function and improving mental well-being.

West African drumming is also wonderful for relieving stress, with the rhythmic nature of the music being cathartic for many people. 

With our West African drumming lessons, you can join a warm and friendly community in London, enabling you to meet new people from a range of backgrounds. Djembe drumming often involves group sessions or performances. It’s a wonderful way to connect with others, making it ideal for those who love playing as a team. 

The word ‘djembe’ even comes from the Bambara word ‘dje’ (gather) and ‘be’ (everyone) – roughly translated as ‘everyone gather together in peace.’ 

Discover a new way to express yourself creatively. 

Learning to play the djembe allows for creative expression. As you improve your skills, you can express emotions and ideas through the rhythms you create, fostering a sense of creativity and individuality.

Playing the djembe is a lot of fun. The joy of creating music and rhythms, especially when done in a group, can be a joyous and fulfilling experience.

Enhance your musical horizons in 2024.

Learning to play the djembe expands your musical horizons. It exposes you to different rhythms, beats, and cultural contexts, broadening your understanding and appreciation of music from around the world. 

Our drumming lessons in London are a great way to try something different in the new year. 

Find out more about our West African drumming lessons. Or don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.