Djembe Drums with Christian Music

Playing the Djembe, an African Drum to the song Kum Ba Yah by Paul French.

During our time of recording Kum Ba Yah, I took this video of Paul playing his Djembe as he was recording along with the piano and conga tracks previously made for the song. We know there is much interest in the Djembe, especially in Christian Music. Paul and I felt that this video would be a great way to demonstrate how to play the Djembe for those who are new at it. To make the video more enjoyable, I dubbed in our finished recording of Kum Ba Yah along with his playing.

The most important technique of playing the Djembe is to strike your fist hard and center of the drum head at each down beat of the music measure. Slapping the edge or rim of the drum on the 2nd or 4th count of each measure, is also very important, although, as with this video, Paul had variations to that basic rule. As with all hand drum playing, the idea is to create a looped playing pattern that will enhance the song and keep good timing for the music. The strap around the shoulder takes a little getting used to as well, but is very important in keeping the drum base up off the floor for a deep rich sound that fills any room. When playing the Djembe properly, there should be a deep and resonating sound for each down beat, the rest is all a matter of ones creativity and experience with the instrument. The main objective is to have fun and Praise the Lord with your musical talents!! For more details please visit, http://www.rhythmontherock.com/video_paul_kumbaya.html Thanks and have a great day!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Djembe
• jimbe
• drum
• improvisation
• solo
• musical instruments
• music
• improvise
• African drum

[simonsue2]

@simonsue2 I love playing Djembe to the Blues! Check my channel!

[simonsue2]

Very nice!

[farfman6672]

All in all, a decent drum part. Maybe a little "busy", but pretty tasteful. I don't know if it's totally necessary to use the fist for the bass notes tho'. An open palm would probably suffice and be more in keeping with standard djembe "bass note" playing technique. Nice work Paul!!