jembe

The djembe, sometimes spelled djembé, is a rope-tuned, skin-covered drum from West Africa. It is a goblet-shaped hollow wood shell played with bare hands. The instrument is traditionally associated with the Mandé peoples of the region, including the Bambara and Malinké. The name is from the Bambara language and is commonly linked to communal gatherings, though exact meanings vary.

Construction features a single-piece hardwood shell carved into a goblet form, with a goatskin head stretched over the opening. The head is secured and tensioned with a system of ropes or, in some modern versions, hardware such as metal rings and clamps. Tension adjustments allow the drum to be tuned. Drums come in a range of sizes, and contemporary models may use synthetic heads in place of natural skin.

Playing the djembe is done with the hands. It is capable of producing a range of tones: a deep bass when struck in the center with a cupped hand, a higher-pitched tone near the edge, and a sharp slap for brighter, cutting sounds. The three basic sounds are commonly described as bass (dum), tone (ka), and slap (pa).

Cultural and modern use varies widely. Traditionally it accompanies dances, ceremonies, storytelling, and social events, often within ensembles that include other drums. In contemporary contexts, the djembe has a global presence in world music, drum circles, education, and therapy settings. Its widespread popularity has led to diverse manufacturing practices and a broad spectrum of styles and tunings.