Djembe helps student heal

Pre-lockdown one of our students purchased a drum from us, we asked them to write a review. Instead, Diane very kindly wrote this instead and so we decided to feature it as a blog.

How the drum helps the well being, heal and exercise 

Authour: Diane Pilbro - February 2021 

The drum has been an essential part of my life for about three years. When as a beginner, I was amazed that in a circle, all drummers would mirror each other, as if some innate ability to auto connect. Respect was a major issue. Learn from those who knew. 

Time arrived when I needed to purchase my own. A special process indeed. I had my sights on a partly carved hollow vessel of exquisitely toned wood from Mali; with reptilian looking bark that had been smoothed with love and care. I could customise the finish. But, no, realistically I couldn't afford it. I wanted it; adorned with blue ropes caressing its upper torso.  

The following lesson, I looked up. A djembe seemed to call to me. Pure serendipity that we met. Placed in the studio, I began to play. It was mine. Made for me. A new relationship pollinated by cohort actions of care.  

Gemma came through. 'Wow, I thought it was Marcus playing', she said enthusiastically.  

I played with a skill I knew not, or rather it played for me. Owning me and becoming part of my existence. Possessing my spirit, becoming an ethereal spirit coerced by a force stronger than that of my own will; powerful, helping me to achieve my goals. The adhered ropes, freshens, when I feel depleted – a lemon and lime colour of zest and vitality. Sometimes, the rhythm creates a tsunami, vast, all encompassing beat. It clears, refocuses the mind. Veins pulsate with the beat, defusing frustration. When playing heat is generated, but can cool an emotion to meditate, or excites into a frenetic frenzy. 

Throughout the world, drums are used in most countries, for festivals, dancing, religious reasons and cultural diversities. Drums took configuration of a hollow vessel with animal hides on top around the eighth century B.C.E. Earlier hides were rarely prepared for longevity, as they are today. However, in early war, drums were made from the skin of rival humans. Barbaric, but to the tribal mind was an effective way to overcome ones enemy through empathic magic, literally pounding the power out of them.  

If you are looking to purchase a drum and are not sure where to start. Read our blog Buying the right drum.