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Nov 22
1

On the 1st Day of Christmas🎄

By | Blog
“On the first day of Christmas, we felt the rhythm!”
We put this pack together to give the aspiring young drummer everything they need to get going.
Young Drummers Pack Includes:
50cm All Rounder Djembe or 50cm Plus All Rounder djembe – Your choice of djembe finish; light or dark.
Batik practice cover: To protect the djembe head and muffle the sound for a quieter practice
Aslatua shaker: Aslatua are played by holding and shaking one gourd in the palm while swinging the second gourd around, creating both sandy shaking sounds and percussive clicks when the two connect.
Your drum comes with a free Drum Care and Tuning Guide.
Check out our Christmas collection and bring some festive vibrations to the holidays and keep an eye on our stories for our 12 days of specials.
BONUS STOCKING STUFFER
If you spend $40 you”ll get a FREE Kiss Kass shaker with coupon code SANTA22
Holiday Highlights
  • Free shipping for orders over $100
  • 30 day returns
  • Drums, instruments & packs for all ages
  • Get in touch for personalise advice
Sep 20
1

We want to share your videos 📹

By | Blog

Every day we share your videos with our community of over 500,000 followers across our social media accounts and we love doing it!
It’s just one way that we can continue to celebrate West African drumming and culture.

Sometimes these videos go viral with millions of views and thousand of re-shares.

We now have a new submission form which makes it easier for you submit your videos for us to hopefully share.
So if you have an impressive video of djembe drumming, dunun drummers, percussionists, African dancing, West African culture, conga & bongo players, African singing or drum making, then we want to see it!
The more creative and vibrant, the better.

Simply click on the link at the bottom of this post, enter as much information as you can about your video and then we will do the rest.
Hopefully we will be able to share your video across our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram & TikTok).

We can’t wait to see your amazing videos!

 

🪘 VIDEO SUBMISSION FORM 🪘

Sep 07
2

Habit Hacks to Improve Your Drumming 🪘

By | Blog

We all want to get better and improve our drumming skills and everyone knows that to do this we need to practice.

So why don’t we practice more?

The main reason is because it’s not a habit. We tell ourselves we need to practice 5 times a week for 30 minutes. Great! But that’s not enough. Without habits and cues, our brain won’t know when it’s time to practice, and before we know it, it’s Sunday night and we haven’t touched our drum once. The trick is to give our brain cues for when we want to practice.

Here are two easy ways to do this…

Tip #1 – Proximity  👀

Place your djembe somewhere at home that you walk past often, and every time you go past it – you have to play it. Sometimes you might only play two notes, and sometimes you might sit down and play it for 20 minutes. Either way, this is a great trick to remind yourself to practice.

Tip #2 – Train your brain  🧠

Set up your drum practice time right before or right after something you’re already in the habit of doing, like – Before I brush my teeth at night I’ll play the djembe for 10 minutes. This way, your brain knows exactly when to remember to practice, because you’ve attached it to a current habit.

Using these tips, you’ll soon find yourself practicing the djembe every day. Once practicing is a habit, you can work on increasing the length of time of the practice, but you’d already have the first important step covered – consistency.

For more inspiration, be sure to follow us on facebook.

Happy drumming!

🪘🪘🪘

Jul 14
1

New instrument – The Seperewa

By | Blog, Product Promo

Introducing a new instrument in our range called the Seperewa 🎶 This 12 string seperewa was hand made in Ghana from a resonating calabash, goat skin, wood and with nylon strings which produce a mellow, bluesy sound. It has well made guitar tuning keys too for easy adjustable tuning. The Seperewa, also known as Sanku, is a Ghanaian harp-lute.

Dating back to at least the 17th century, when the newly established Ashanti Empire integrated elements of its predecessor state Bonoman into its musical culture. King Osei Tutu, the mythical founder of the Ashanti empire, was said to have loved the instrument so much that his successor Opoku Ware ordered a replica of it to be made in his memory. It was wrapped in gold leaves, and placed among the items of the Golden Stool, which Osei Tutu named ‘the soul of the Ashanti nation‘. The Seperewa was used to entertain kings, and was also played at palm wine bars and at funerals.

Features of the seperewa:

🎵 100% handcrafted in Ghana by the master strings instrument maker Louis Afriki

🎵 12 stringed box resonator with soulful sounds emanating from the ancient Ashanti Empire

🎵 Mansonia wood neck

🎵 Khadi wood handles, bridge and bridge plate and the darker wooden bridge plate is made of ebony

🎵 Sound box is  high quality plywood from recycled cargo box

🎵 Bamboo string support pins

🎵 Water based satin finish to seal the wood.

Find out more here https://bit.ly/3aAMi59

Jul 04
0

Guide to handpan care & maintenance

By | Blog

Calling all handpan players!✋🎶 Want to know the best way to care and maintain your beautiful handpan for years to come? Here are a few tips to protect your handpan from rusting and other damage:

♪ Sweat may deposit salts to the surface, which contribute to rust formation. Before playing, wash and dry your hands.

♪ Don’t play the handpan if it’s hot (for example, if it’s been in the sun).

♪ Handpans should only be played gently and with one finger at a time: No hands, fists, or mallets.

♪ After each play, wipe down the instrument with a soft, clean, dry cloth (preferably microfibre).

♪ Clean your handpan every 6 – 12 months to remove dirt & oils: Use isopropyl alcohol, or a more gentle rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol or ethanol based of 50-75%, diluted with water). Use a soft cloth on both sides, the rim, and the inside.
If your handpan has oil on it, you’ll need to re-apply it since the cleaning will remove the oil.

♪ Store your handpan in a cool place, and out of direct sunlight, ideally outside the case in a safe place. If stored inside the case, leave the zip 1/4 open to release the moisture from the case. Check that the foam in the case doesn’t get damp.

♪ Apply Phoenix oil every 2 weeks – 2 months. Make sure to only use appropriate oil/wax for this process. You can get Phoenix oil here.

Would you like more advice on how to deal with rust or would like to ask another question? Feel free to contact us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to guide you. Find out more about handpans here.

 

 

 

 

Jun 28
0

Drumming for Wellness

By | Blog

Drum for your health. 🥁🎶 Learn how drumming can benefit the wellbeing of students at our next online professional development workshop ‘Drumming for Wellness’ on Saturday August 13th 2022. 

Our professional development sessions are practical, fun and accessible sessions, exploring African songs, rhythms and instruments to use in teaching Kindergarten, Primary & Secondary level students.

Expand your repertoire to engage your students with new and exciting games, exercises, and melodic content!

You will receive a digital Certificate of completion. Find our more here https://bit.ly/3tZuzuA

Jun 17
0

New Djembefola Custom Drum Bags

By | Blog

Our new Djembefola custom drum bags are our latest and greatest djembe bag! So many cool features and design elements you’ll be loving wrapping up your favourite djembe in one of these. Perfect for carrying and protecting your djembe anywhere.

Features:

♪ Hard wearing Cordura exterior
♪ Multi adjustable padded shoulder straps
♪  Twin side pockets,
♪  Padded waist strap
♪  Carry handle
♪  Reinforced weatherproof hardtop and hard bottom disc insert
♪  Non slip bottom
♪  Heavy duty zips with front & top opening options.
♪  Breathable back cushioning.
♪  Front opening zip (on most models)

Check out our product here https://www.africandrumming.com.au/product/djembefola-custom-bags/

 

 

Jun 14
0

New Middle Eastern Percussion Classes!

By | Blog

We are excited to announce that we have new Middle Eastern percussion classes!🥁 Learn basic classical & folk modern technique for Darbuka, Riq and frame drums. Classes focus on rhythm structure & composition for classical songs & original percussion movements. You’ll learn to conceive and feel “time” to work with the metronome & musicians. These classes cater for beginners and run in our St. Kilda studios: 252 St. Kilda Rd, St. Kilda. Our classes run on Tuesdays, across 6-week cycles. July 26th is the 1st week of the cycle.
Class time: @6.30pm – 8pm AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time).

Find out more and sign up here https://www.africandrumming.com.au/product/middle-easter-percussion-class/

We hope to see you soon!

Darbuka and Riq classes

Jun 06
0

Check out our sister company Bashiri!

By | Blog

If you love African Drumming you’ll love our sister company Bashiri. Here you’ll find every Bolga basket you can think of as well as African masks, mats, musical instruments, jewellery and more. Check out the website here https://bashiri.com.au/

Bashiri offers a wide range of woven baskets and products including Moses baskets, round baskets, laundry baskets, African masks, African fabrics, African fans, musical instruments and more.
Our popular Bolga baskets are hand-woven from the sustainably sourced elephant grass that grows in the rich flood plains around the village of Bolgatanga in Ghana, West Africa. The soft malleable grass is 100% locally sourced and the dyes we use to colour the woven baskets are 100% non toxic. Each weaver has their own special techniques. Bolga baskets may take 3 days to one week to make depending on the size, design and intricacy of the patterns. We are in awe of the artists that weave these unique woven baskets and love the relationships we have established with them. Explore our unique and one of a kind Bolga baskets at https://bashiri.com.au/
Dec 22
1

What does “Sessi” actually mean?

By | Blog

Sessi are shakers placed around the head of the djembe, representing shields worn by the drummer in war. They create a snare effect when placed on the djembe.

Ever heard the term “Sessi” and wondered what we were talking about?

Sessi are shakers placed around the head of the djembe, representing shields worn by the drummer in war. They create a snare effect when placed on the djembe and can be slipped through the crown loops, the verticals, or secured with a strap.

In Africa, players often make them from old tin cans and scrap metal.
Check em out here
Nov 10
1
Build your own drum in our drum making workshop.

Build your dream drum this November! 🥁

By | Blog
Our drum making workshop is back!

Join our experienced drum maker Bruno for a hands-on journey into drum building and walk away with your own brand new African Drum – personally customised with all your favourite features!

Building your own drum is a highly satisfying hands-on experience that connects you to your drum for life.


November 26th – 27th 2021
📍 252 St Kilda Road, St Kilda Melbourne 3182

Register here

 

Oct 13
0
Our teacher training course runs online and onsite across Australia and is aligned with the current Australian Curriculum.

Become an African Drumming Facilitator!

By | Blog

🔔 BEEP BEEP 🔔

Friendly reminder about our upcoming 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 Teacher Training course!

Saturday 23rd October – Sunday 24th October 2021

Learn how to facilitate your own drumming classes just in time for the new year 😀

Our teacher training course runs online and onsite across Australia and is aligned with the current Australian Curriculum. We will build your musicality and confidence in facilitation and arm you with a tool kit of rhythms and games that you can implement into your programs straight away. You’ll also have access to and be supported by our robust Teachers Video Hub – the perfect resource for all your teaching requirements.

Learn more here

Oct 06
0
Handpan, perfect for sound healing, mindfulness and meditation.

How to choose a Handpan!

By | Blog

When it comes to choosing a handpan, there are several factors to consider. Do you want a handpan that will work better solo or alongside other instruments? Do you prefer a moody, melancholy sound, or a bright, warm one?

We’ve created this guide to help you find the perfect one!

The handpan is a new and mysterious instrument, distantly related in principle to the steelpan of Trinidad and Tobago, but inspired in sound by the Hang instrument from Switzerland. Played by hand, rather than sticks or mallets, the handpan has a rich, intimate sound, full of emotion. There is no specific technique or style in the art of playing a handpan. A player with patience and an open mind will be rewarded with deep layers of complexity to explore.

Browse our range of handpans here

Sep 28
0
New sound healing instruments from Nepal. Perfect for meditation and therapy.

Relax With Our New Himalayan Healing Range

By | Blog

Tap into a state of mindfulness and meditation with our brand new range of healing instruments. Each item is handmade in Nepal.

Singing Bowls
Available in classic and decorated options, these bowls are here to guide you into deep meditation.
Comes complete with a cushion and striker.

Ceremonial Gongs
Boasting many layers of reverb, these traditional gongs are hand hammered from fine German Silver.
Each gong comes with a heavy mallet.

Meditation Bells
Instrumental in tantric Buddhism, the Vajra meditation bell represents wisdom, compassion and enlightenment.
Available in medium and large.

Tingsha Cymbals
Made of thick 100% brass, these instruments create a beautifully clear, high-pitched sound when struck together.
Multiple pairs can be played together for a fuller sound.

Sound therapy is built on the idea that our brains and bodies operate on various specific frequencies in order to grow, consolidate information, and heal. We can create sound vibrations at similar frequencies to those our brains use to encourage those beneficial states of being. Similar to meditation, we are trying to teach our brains to access those healing frequencies using a traditional and authentic method. Sound healing comes with many benefits, from an improved mood to better sleep patterns.

🌸 Learn more here

Sep 22
0
community djembe classes online

Join our drumming classes on September 27th!

By | Blog

It’s almost that time!

Brand new djembe classes are kicking off Monday September 27th 🎵

Our 6-week cycles cover a full West African rhythmic arrangement, including support djembe parts, solos, breaks and calls. We focus on rhythms from the ancient/ traditional djembe nations (Mali, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso & Senegal), but delve into other grooves from Ghana on occasions.

Our lead facilitator is supported by a Dun (bass drum) player, so you’ll get the full polyrhythmic experience, which helps to develop your auditory skills too.

Beginner and inter community classes are available, led by Magic Mike.

Beginners @6.15pm – 7.45pm AEST
Intermediate @8pm – 9.30pm AEST

✨ PS. When you purchase a cycle, you receive 10% off our store, both online and onsite!

Register and learn more here

Sep 15
0
Enduro Djembe

Enduro Djembe is back on September 26!

By | Blog
After another successful online 𝗘𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗼 𝗗𝗷𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲 last weekend, we’re doing it all again!!
 
🎵 Sunday September 26th @ 11am AEST 🎵
 
This 60 minute intensive musical workout is catered for intermediate and advanced level djembe players, who are looking to strengthen their listening skills, dexterity, stamina and solo repertoire! All you need is a djembe and a WIFI connection 😀
 
Led by Magic Mike, with Alastair Rae on duns, grab your ticket here
 
PS. You can practice with past recordings of Enduro Djembe here
Sep 07
15
West African djembes

✨ 5 FUN FACTS ABOUT THE DJEMBE ✨

By | Blog

Here are some of our favourite facts about the West African djembe…

 

1. The most prized djembe wood is lenke, known for its superior spiritual properties.
 
2. A master djembe player is called a djembefola. Notable djembefolas include Mamady Keïta from Guinea, Abdoulaye Diakité from Senegal and Yamadu Bani Dunbia from Mali.
 
3. The Bambara word “djembe” translates to “everyone gather together in peace.”
 
4. Traditionally, the djembe was used as a form of communication between tribes as its resonance could reach long distances.
 
5. The djembe is said to consist of three spirits: the spirit of the tree from which it was made, the spirit of the animal whose skin covers the head, and the spirit of the drum maker.
 
Browse our collection of African djembes here
Aug 25
0
African Drumming team building and drumming workshops

How to Foster Collective Efficacy during the Pandemic

By | Blog

In the current state of the global pandemic and constantly changing environments, organisations are struggling to maintain a level of coherence amongst their teams. According to a study by Dr Eduardo Salas, Department of Psychology at Rice University, “Teams perform better when they possess ‘collective efficacy’, or a belief that their team can succeed”.

Our teams are experiencing a huge variety of unprecedented stressors in daily life, due to the pandemic, and this stress heavily contributes to an inability to maintain coordinated performance, which in turn creates negative outlooks and a disconnect from others.

So, if collective efficacy is a strong element of team success, how can we foster this attitude during these challenging times, where teams are becoming less connected and more isolated both on a physical and mental level?

Well, Dr Salas believes that teams need constant reminders about their wins and successes as well as a mutual monitoring amongst the cohort. What this means in simplified terms, is that our teams need to check in with one another, encourage each other and build each other up. The pandemic has seen a shift from a group mentality to an over focus on self, so organisations need to encourage individuals to come out of their shells and interact with each other again.

Collective efficacy is achieved when the group successfully comes together to achieve a goal or task, boosting the team’s belief in their ability to achieve. Giving your team an opportunity to perform a task together, where they each play their own part and work as a cohort through mutual monitoring, fosters group performance and in turn increases collective efficacy.

An African Drumming session allows teams to achieve a coordinated performance, where they must interact and closely monitor one another to achieve unison in rhythm. A beautiful metaphor which helps to build collective efficacy in a fun and stress-free environment. The session can help to re-develop friendships and a faith in their ability to adapt and learn new skills together.

The reason an African Drumming session is so good at developing collective efficacy is because these sessions nurture confidence gained by being a critical part of a team. Drumming is proven to improve team work and collaboration. The ensemble nature of the drumming, along with moving from structured rhythms to improvising, encourages new ideas within the context of a group.

This is just one example of a non-threatening way to reconnect your team during a time of shifting stressors and unparalleled disconnect. Something exciting and new can be the beginning of seeing a real positive transformation in your organisations as we move on from the chaos of COVID-19 towards greater collective efficacy 🥰

Aug 11
0
Ocean drums, available in small, medium and large.

Sounds of the ocean 🌊

By | Blog

We’ve just received a batch of new ocean drum designs! Hand painted with stunning tribal and animal pictures, the ocean drum is a popular percussive accompaniment during meditation classes, sound baths and mindfulness retreats.

The ocean drum is held by the frame, with the head horizontal and played by rolling the wrists so the drum gently tilts in all directions.
The beads inside roll over the bottom head creating soulful wave-like sounds. Different speeds produce different sounds and stopping and starting creates crashing wave sounds.

Available in small, medium, large and extra large!