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Product Specifications
Wood: Mahogany | Height: 40cm | Diameter: 6.5″or 8.75″
Weight: 1.5 – 2kg | Skin: Goat skin (natural, not bleached!)
Suitable for: ages 4-12 years
Finish & appearance Available in light or dark finish. Each drum is hand carved, so external carvings vary between drums.
For facilitators The Junior Plus suits a wide range of workshop settings, from school programs to team builders. Its larger playing surface works well across group sizes.
Construction Hand carved from solid, sustainably sourced mahogany. Produced by the African Drumming team in Indonesia to consistent specifications for tone and finish.
Rope High tensile nylon-core yachting rope that holds its tune. Once set correctly, the drum needs minimal ongoing adjustment.
Skin Natural goat skin, neither irradiated nor chemically treated, so it retains its natural oils, sound, and durability. Every skin is unique and because they are natural, many carry natural pigmentation or markings.
Playing edge Our signature Comfort Curve gives a well-rounded playing edge, with rings and rope positioned for ease of play.
Warranty & care Covered under warranty. Your drum comes with a free Drum Care and Tuning Guide.
Size Guide
Drum height determines how the djembe sits between your legs.
The head diameter is the width of the playing surface of the djembe.
A wider head gives more room for your hands and produces a deeper bass tone.
Check the size guide below, or get in touch and we’ll help you find the right fit.
Djembe
Height
Head Diameter
Suitable Age
30cm
30cm
6″
2-4 years
40cm
40cm
6.75″
4-8 years
40cm PLUS
40cm
8.75″
8-12 years
50cm
50cm
9″
10 years +
50cm PLUS
50cm
10″
12 years +
60cm
60cm
11″
14 years +
60cm PLUS
60cm
12″
14 years +
Shipping & Returns
We dispatch most orders on the same day and ship across Australia and worldwide. Metro deliveries in Australia usually arrive within 2–5 business days, and express options are available at checkout; regional and international timeframes depend on the destination. You’ll receive tracking details when your parcel is on its way.
Need to return your order? Let us know within seven days of delivery. Please keep the item unused and in its original condition. Full details are in our Shipping & Returns policy.
Reviews
FAQs
What age is the 40cm djembe suited to?
The 40cm kids djembe stands 40cm tall and features a 6.5-inch head, making it ideal for ages 4 to 8.
The Junior Plus suits ages 8 to 12, with a wider 8.75-inch head that gives more room for bigger hands to develop the bass, tone, and slap.
Both djembes weigh 1.5-2kg, light enough for kids to carry independently.
For a complete first setup, the Kids Djembe Starter Pack bundles your choice of Junior or Junior Plus with a tambourine and two small Kiss Kass shakers.
What’s the difference between the Junior and the Junior Plus djembes?
The main difference is the playing surface.
The Junior kids djembe has a 6.5-inch head sized for younger children, while the Junior Plus has a wider 8.75-inch head that produces more resonance and a fuller bass tone.
African Drumming has been sourcing and building djembes for over 25 years, and both sizes are made to the same specifications for consistent tone and finish.
The Junior Plus is also a practical djembe choice for facilitators running school incursions or large group workshops, where a compact drum with genuine voice makes a real difference.
How durable is the 40cm djembe for everyday use by children?
It’s built to handle the way kids actually play.
The shell is hand carved from solid mahogany with a well-rounded playing edge, and the head uses high tensile nylon-core yachting rope that holds its tune without constant adjustment.
The natural goat skin is untreated, retaining its natural oils for warmth and durability over time.
A Batik practice cover is a practical addition for younger players, protecting the head and reducing volume during home practice.
Why is the djembe a good first instrument for children?
The djembe is one of the most accessible instruments a child can pick up. There’s no notation to read and no technique to master before the music starts. Children can produce a real sound from the first session, which builds confidence quickly.
Regular drumming also has documented cognitive benefits.
Playing requires both hands to work independently, which supports fine motor development and strengthens coordination.
The rhythmic, repetitive nature of drumming encourages focus and has a grounding, mindfulness-like quality, which is why it’s increasingly used in classroom, wellbeing, and therapeutic settings.
