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A lot of percussion instruments and drums have their roots in Africa. It is a custom to use African instruments like drums as well as percussion for communication and celebration. Many kinds of percussion instruments, including drums, are widely used in Africa, some styles being more common among the people than others. In addition to the array of styles, a variety of decorations are available for instrument personalization.

The Djembe Drums

The tradition calls for djembe drums to be crafted out of one hollowed-out section of wood. The basic shape of the drum is similar to an hourglass, and it has a head that is often made of goat skin. Djembe drums are traditionally tuned by braiding a rope around the shell of the drum, though modern styles use synthetic materials. The drum is versatile, and a single head produces a vast array of sounds.

Dundun Drums

In terms of their configuration, dundun drums resemble a hollowed-out cylindrical shape. The Dundun drum has two heads, and is rope tuned. The drum's tonal qualities are governed by the thickness, length, and diameter of the walls of the drum. The material used to make the heads and the density also influence the drum's voice. Dunduns are played with either a stick or bare hands. The drum often has a bell attached along the side. Traditionally, it is played sideways; one hand plays the head while the other hand plays the bell.

The Kpanlogo Drum

Kpanlogo drums, whose origins trace to Ghana, are outwardly distinct in appearance from different African drums. The body of the drum is like that of contemporary conga drums, but it also has pegs to secure the ropes. This drum is distinctive in appearance, due to the ropes lining it from the drum head to its pegs. There are different drum sizes available and with the change in size comes a change in tone; for example, a larger drum produces a lower tone. In groups, a single player can play as many as three or four kpanlogo drums at a single time.

An Overview of Hand Percussion Instruments

There is quite a bit of variation when it comes to smaller percussion or drum instruments played by hand. Many percussion type instruments, including agogo bells, different types of shakers, wood blocks, maracas and cabassas all have their origins in Africa. These unique instruments add flavor and a variety of voices when played in a group, taking any ensemble to the next level. Hand percussion is also very useful for including others in playing music. Kids, elderly and disabled people can participate in the auxiliary percussion as members of drum circles, shows and celebrations.