Rhythmic music is a universal language that transcends boundaries and connects people across cultures and generations. At the heart of world music and the connection of djembe drumming lies the spirit of creativity and improvisation.
Whether you're a seasoned musician, sound healer or a weekend drummer, the essence of creativity and improvisation in music can deepen our intuition and self-expression. It naturally inspires us to explore the world of rhythm as a healing tool for wellbeing.
Exploring drumming as a wellbeing and creative tool we become open to improvisation, as we are guided on a rhythmical journey of transformation. Music improvisation develops our cognitive thinking that taps into parts of the brain that increases problem solving skills, develops processing language, increase focus and enhances trust and intuition.
Playing any kind of musical instrument whether it be the djembe drum, native American style flute, Himalayan singing bowls or our own voice, we are in a transformational journey of personal growth and self-discovery.
Djembe drumming rhythms and sounds to enhance rhythmical expression
So we know the basics of playing the djembe drum, which are bass, tones and slaps? When I was living and studying West African drumming from master djembe drummers in West Africa back in the mid 2000’s there were many things I quickly learned.
The cultural history of this beautiful hand drum and the lineage of storytelling through djembe drumming and dance, it really was a wonderful opportunity for me to appreciate it all.
I love playing traditional djembe rhythms from West Africa and then generating a platform for improvisation and creativity. Many rhythms we hear today in music, are either from Africa or India. Indian tabla is another wonderful world of rhythms, but I am not an expert in table…
So, let's explore another wonderful sound we can create on the djembe… the flam. The flam is commonly played in all kinds of drumming. There are many combinations we can explore and play with the flam:
Tone and tone, tone and slap (and visa-versa) and tone and bass or slap and bass (and visa-versa). As we practice our technique with tones and slaps, we begin to improve our ear. Listening and playing along to music and having a practice routine can develop our ear. Which in turn helps us to determine what sound is being played on any hand drum.
Listening is the key…
Short insight to Moribayassa
In this video I share the traditional djembe phrase from Moribayassa.
The vibrant tapestry of African culture, dances have always been a profound form of expression, storytelling, and unity. One such dance, Moribayassa, originating from the Malinke people of West Africa, stands out as a powerful symbol of resilience and the strong spirit of African women. This mesmerising dance tells a story of triumph over adversity, using old, ragged clothes as its costume and rhythmic movements to convey a tale of strength and resilience.
Moribayassa is more than just a dance; it's a celebration of the human spirit's ability to triumph over adversity. With its rich symbolism, vibrant choreography, and powerful message of resilience, this dance is a testament to the strength of African women and their communities. Moribayassa serves as a source of inspiration and a reminder that, even in the face of life's challenges, there is always room for joy, unity, and triumph.
The Moribayassa djembe phrase has a lovely 3 over 4 feel, consisting of flams with tones and slaps. However, we can explore this rhythm even further and play with a variety of tones, slaps and bass combinations. We can also play the djembe phrase as part of a solo, drum fill, even a continues groove.
How to develop your musical gifts and talents
I am continuously learning as a musician, teacher, facilitator and personal coach.
As a percussion teacher for over 30 years, I have learnt a lot about how every student is unique and not everyone learns the same way.
I believe that everyone has musical gifts and talents to explore. However, I often hear many people say “I’m not musical enough” or “I’m not creative enough.” Deep down they really want to play a musical instrument, because, yes, it is so much fun, healing and rewarding. Music connects to our spirit.
In many cases my adult students who study with me online, there are more to the sessions than teaching rhythms or melodies, however that’s a big part too. As a certified personal coach, quite often we explore limiting beliefs, intention and clarify what their goals are and how they are going to achieve that outcome – its way more than learning rhythms right?
It’s developing a professional relationship with someone who believes in you.
Transform your musical journey
If you are interested in studying with me I have just three spots that have opened up in December for new online students to study with me. Please contact me of your interest and to be added to the waitlist.
If you found this post helpful, please help support my blog and music-making by purchasing from the store, student resource, sheet music or music.
A little gift for you as you continue to build your djembe drumming skills.
I want to help you out as much as I can so I’ve added some great hand drum beats for beginners and ensemble drums that accompany the djembe, called 7 Easy Steps to Develop Rhythm, Technique, Timing and Feel PDF.
It’s filled with lots of tips on technique and how to improve your timing and feel, to really take your playing to the next level.
This is my gift to you and something that can accompany you on your drumming journey.
Get your instant copy for absolutely free!! Price $15 - FREE today!!
Download your FREE Djembe Drumming PDF Now
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