Drumming
African Drumming Workshops
CLiKS own 20 Djembe drums and offer schools opportunties to run workshops for pupils, introducing them to basic African drum rhythms. At the end of the final session the pupils will receive their own certificate of achievement.
This can either be done as a one off lesson, or with a 5/6 week block of workshops although we will adapt our programme to suit individual school’s requirements. We can come and do this as a lunch time club, after school club or as part of a lesson.
There is no charge for the workshops, although donations are very welcome.
The Djembe Drum
The history of the djembe
The djembe drum originally comes from the former 12th century Mali Empire. Today the djembe is West African’s most popular drum, and is a favourite among amateur and professional drummers outside Africa. The djembe is often played with ksink ksink, a set of 3 flat Shakers make of tin, which represent the shields worn by drummers who played during a battle to motivate and send messages to the warriors.
How djembes are made
Our drums are made from the sema of thinibua tree. The trunk is cut into sections which are then hollowed out; this is slow work and can take days to make one drum shell. After the wood has been carved it has to be dried out before the drum skin and rope are added. Goat’s skin is used for the drum skin as it is very durable, pre-stretched rope is used around the shell to tighten the skin. All the work is carried out by hand and also under intense heat.
Fair Trade Djembe Drums
All of out drums are fair-traded. Fair Trade is a growing, international movement which ensures that producers in poor countries get a fair deal. This means a fair price for their goods (one that covers the cost of production and guarantees a living income), long-term contracts which provide real security; and for many, support to gain the knowledge and skills that they need to develop their businesses and increase sales.
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