8 Best African Drums

If you’re in the market for a new drum, you’re in luck! Today, we will be reviewing and comparing several different djembe drums, each with its own unique features and qualities. These African-inspired drums have a rich history and offer a plethora of benefits to musicians and enthusiasts alike. So, whether you’re a beginner or a professional looking to expand your collection, read on to discover the perfect djembe drum for you.

Djembe drums have their origins in West Africa and have been played for centuries. Traditionally carved from mahogany wood and featuring a goatskin drumhead, these drums produce a distinctive sound that is both vibrant and resonant. The unique goblet shape and materials used in the construction of djembe drums contribute to their rich tones and durability. Not only are they great for producing rhythms and beats, but they also serve as beautiful pieces of art.

In this article, we will be taking a closer look at several different djembe drum options. Our first product is the AKLOT African Drum Hand-Carved 9.5” x 20” Mahogany Goatskin Drumhead for Adults Beginners (Red). This drum is perfect for beginners, as it is hand-carved from mahogany and features a vibrant red finish. It measures 9.5 inches in diameter and 20 inches in height, making it suitable for adults. The goatskin drumhead ensures authentic sound quality, providing a truly immersive experience for any drummer.

Next on our list is the Kmise 8″ Djembes African Hand Drum Mahogany Standard Goat Skin Drumhead (MI3039). This djembe drum features a standard size of 8 inches in diameter, making it compact and portable. It is also hand-carved from mahogany and comes with a goat skin drumhead for an authentic sound. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, this drum offers a great option for practicing or performing.

Another notable option is the lotmusic African Djembe Drum, Standard 10” Hand-Carved Mahogany Congo Drum, Professional Bongo Drum With Goatskin Drumhead for Adults. This drum is larger than the previous ones we discussed, measuring 10 inches in diameter. It is hand-carved from mahogany and features professional-grade craftsmanship. The goatskin drumhead ensures excellent sound quality, making it suitable for professionals and enthusiasts seeking a professional-grade djembe drum.

For those looking for a more unique option, we have the 4×8 Drums Djembe Drum Djembe Jembe is a Rope-Goat Skin Covered Goblet Drum Played by Hands West Africa style. This drum offers a distinct style with its rope-goat skin cover. It measures 4 inches in diameter and 8 inches in height, making it a compact and portable choice. Ideal for both beginners and professionals, this drum delivers a traditional West Africa sound.

If you’re in need of accessories to enhance your djembe drumming experience, consider the Djembe Waist Strap African Hand Drum Belt/Percussion Instruments Belt/Shoulder Strap. This strap is specifically designed for djembe drums and offers comfortable and convenient support while playing. Made from durable materials, it ensures your drum stays secure during performances or practice sessions.

Lastly, we have the African Kente Print Djembe Bag – a backpack-style case that fits 12.5″ x 22″ djembe drums. This bag provides excellent protection for your drum while adding a touch of vibrant African culture with its Kente print design. The zip top opening makes it easy to store and transport your drum safely.

Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, there is a djembe drum on the market to suit your needs. Each drum offers its own unique features and benefits, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your musical journey. From the traditional hand-carved mahogany drums to more compact and portable options, the versatility and cultural significance of djembe drums make them a must-have for any drumming enthusiast. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of these mesmerizing musical instruments!

Red Hand-Carved Djembe Drum for Adults Beginners

The AKLOT African Drum is a hand-carved Djembe drum that is specifically designed for adults beginners. It is an ideal instrument for those who are just starting to explore the world of African drums and want to learn the basics of drumming.

We love the AKLOT African Drum because of its outstanding quality and craftsmanship. The drum is hand-carved from one solid piece of mahogany by skilled artisans, which enhances its durability and enables it to produce a rich and resonant sound. Additionally, the goatskin drumhead adds to the authenticity and depth of the drum’s sound.

The AKLOT African Drum serves as an entry-level Djembe drum for beginners. Its standard size of 9.5” x 20” makes it popular among grade schools, middle schools, and new beginners. The drum is also highly portable, allowing users to take it wherever they go.

Key features of the AKLOT African Drum include a genuine goatskin drumhead, which creates a sharper sound with fewer overtones in the slaps. The drumhead is tightened by steel rings, ensuring that there are no inconsistencies or curves on the head. The drum also features a hand-carved flying elephant pattern and other traditional elements, adding a unique and exotic charm to its design.

The AKLOT African Drum excels in terms of overall quality. Its handcrafted construction from high-density mahogany and genuine goatskin drumhead ensures durability and produces a professional-level sound. The drum’s low-stretch rope allows for easy tuning and ensures that it remains at the optimal tension for playing.

Pros:

• Hand-carved from one solid piece of mahogany
• Genuine goatskin drumhead for enhanced sound quality
• Portable and easy to transport
• Hand-carved design adds an exotic touch
• 45-day satisfaction and quality warranty

Cons:

• May require initial tuning adjustments

The AKLOT African Drum offers an excellent opportunity for beginners to explore the world of African drums and learn the basics of drumming. With its high-quality construction, authentic sound, and unique design, this Djembe drum is a great choice for anyone looking to embark on a rhythmic journey in African drumming. The 45-day satisfaction and quality warranty provided by AKLOT ensure that customers can make their purchase with confidence.

Kmise 8″ African Hand Drum with Goat Skin Drumhead

The Kmise 8″ Djembes African Hand Drum is a versatile instrument that can be used for various purposes, including drum circles, performances, recreational activities, and cultural events. Its high-quality construction and authentic sound make it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced drummers.

There are several reasons why the Kmise 8″ Djembes African Hand Drum stands out among its competitors. Firstly, it is made of real Indonesian mahogany, which provides a durable and sturdy body. This ensures that the drum produces a rich and resonant sound that captures the essence of African music.

Another aspect that we admire about this product is its high-strength inelastic mountaineering lanyard. This feature allows the drum to stay in tune for a long time, ensuring consistent sound quality during performances or jam sessions.

The Kmise 8″ Djembe African Hand Drum is designed to deliver an authentic African drum experience. Its key features include a hollowed-out wooden body, which enhances the transmission of vibrations inside the drum. This results in a more uniform and balanced sound.

The drum skin is made of adult goatskin, which has not been bleached. While this may cause the drum surface to have slight imperfections, it significantly improves the quality of the drum’s tone. Additionally, the drum’s ethnic style painting adds beauty, enthusiasm, and a touch of exoticism to its overall appearance.

The overall quality of the Kmise 8″ Djembes African Hand Drum is impressive. Its craftsmanship and attention to detail create a sturdy and reliable instrument that can withstand regular use. The use of real Indonesian mahogany and adult goatskin contribute to the drum’s durability and authentic sound. Whether used for recreational purposes or professional performances, this drum consistently delivers on quality.

Pros:

• Made of real Indonesian mahogany for durability
• Authentic African drum sound
• High-strength inelastic mountaineering lanyard for long-lasting tuning
• Hollowed-out wooden body for balanced sound transmission
• Eye-catching ethnic style painting

Cons:

• Imperfections on the drum surface due to the use of non-bleached goatskin

The Kmise 8″ Djembes African Hand Drum offers a fantastic drumming experience with its authentic sound, durable construction, and eye-catching design. Whether you are a beginner or a professional drummer, this drum is a worthy investment.

Professional African Djembe Drum, 10” Carved Mahogany Congo Drum with Goatskin Drumhead – Lotmusic

The lotmusic African Djembe Drum is primarily used for music and entertainment purposes. It is perfect for individuals who have an interest in playing traditional African rhythms or for those who simply enjoy creating rhythmic sounds. The drum is suitable for beginners, as well as intermediate and advanced players.

We are impressed with the lotmusic African Djembe Drum for several reasons. Firstly, its genuine goatskin drumhead contributes to the overall durability of the drum, ensuring that it will last for a long time. Additionally, this drumhead provides a fantastic tonal range, allowing users to produce a variety of sounds, from piercing slaps to deep resounding bass tones.

We also appreciate the fact that each drum is individually handmade. The four-button lock ropesound used in the construction of the drum ensures that the sound produced is precise and stable. Furthermore, the quality ropes used in its design allow the drum to hold its pitch for an extended period before it requires tuning.

The lotmusic African Djembe Drum serves the purpose of providing individuals with an authentic African drumming experience. It is designed to recreate the vibrant and captivating rhythms that have been an integral part of African music for centuries.

Key features of this drum include its standard size, measuring 10”x20”, and weighing 3.7 KG. This makes it suitable for primary, grade, and middle school-aged individuals, as well as adults who are beginners in playing the djembe drum. The drum is also hand-carved from solid mahogany, with intricate patterns, such as the elephant pattern, carved by skilled artisans.

In terms of overall quality, the lotmusic African Djembe Drum impresses with its solid construction and attention to detail. The use of genuine goatskin for the drumhead ensures durability and a wide tonal range. The hand-carved mahogany body adds a touch of authenticity and elegance to the drum’s appearance.

Pros:

• Genuine goatskin drumhead for durability and tonal range
• Individually handmade with precise and stable sound
• Standard size suitable for beginners
• Beautifully hand-carved mahogany body

Cons:

• May require tuning after extended use
• Limited color options available

Feel free to contact the seller for any problems or concerns regarding the lotmusic African Djembe Drum.

West African Style Hand-Played Djembe Drum with Goat Skin and Rope Cover (4×8)

The Djembe Drum is a versatile instrument that has been used for centuries in West Africa. It is primarily used in celebrations, rituals, and cultural ceremonies. Today, it has gained popularity worldwide and is commonly used in music therapy, drum circles, and performances.

We love the Djembe Drum for its authentic design and high-quality craftsmanship. It is handcrafted by skilled artisans in West Africa, ensuring its traditional appeal and excellent sound quality. The use of premium materials such as rope and goat skin further enhances its durability and resonance.

The Djembe Drum is a goblet-shaped drum that is played using the hands. It features a rope-tuned system, allowing players to easily adjust the drum’s pitch and tone. The drum’s goblet shape creates a wide range of tones, from deep bass to sharp slaps.

Key features of the Djembe Drum include:

• Authentic West African design: This drum embodies the rich cultural heritage of West Africa, making it a valuable addition to any musician’s collection.
• Premium quality materials: The use of rope for tuning and goat skin for the drumhead ensures longevity and produces a warm and resonant sound.
• Portable and lightweight: The compact size and lightweight construction make it easy to carry and perform with anywhere.
• Versatile and expressive: The Djembe Drum allows players to produce a wide variety of tones and rhythms, enabling them to experiment and create their own unique musical expressions.

The Djembe Drum’s overall quality is exceptional. Its traditional design, premium materials, and excellent craftsmanship make it a reliable and long-lasting instrument. The drum produces rich and deep tones, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced players. Additionally, the drum’s superior construction ensures that it can withstand regular use and last for years to come.

Pros:

• Authentic and traditional design.
• High-quality materials for durability and resonance.
• Portable and lightweight.
• Offers a wide range of tones.

Cons:

• May require occasional tuning adjustments.
• Limited to hand playing techniques.

African Drum Djembe with Mahogany Wood and Goatskin Drumhead (6 inch)

The Djembe African Drum is primarily used for creating vibrant and rhythmic sounds in various musical styles and cultural celebrations. It is often played in small gatherings, drum circles, performances, and traditional ceremonies.

We admire the Djembe African Drum because of its exceptional craftsmanship and outstanding sound quality. The sustainable one-piece mahogany construction gives the drum a warm, thick, and full tone, providing a distinctive sound that truly captures the essence of African music.

The Djembe African Drum is carefully designed to bring joy and rhythm into the lives of its users. Its key features include the use of unbleached goatskins for the drumhead, ensuring an authentic and natural sound. Additionally, each drum is hand-painted with unique random patterns, adding to its exotic charm. The high-quality mountaineering ropes used to secure the drum are tough and durable, ensuring the drum remains intact and playable for a long time.

The Djembe African Drum is an excellent representation of African percussion instruments. With its sustainable mahogany wood construction and unbleached goatskin drumhead, it offers exceptional quality and durability. The pre-tuning done before shipping ensures that the drum is ready to play straight out of the box. The attention to detail and commitment to delivering a high-quality product make this drum stand out among its competitors.

Pros:

• Exceptional sound quality with a warm and thick tone
• Durable construction with sustainable and eco-friendly materials
• Hand-painted random patterns add to the drum’s exotic charm
• Pre-tuned for immediate playability

Cons:

• Individual drums may have variations in the hand-painted patterns
• Smaller size options may be more suitable for children than adults

The Djembe African Drum is a remarkable instrument that brings the spirit of Africa into any musical setting. Its sustainable construction, high-quality sound, and unique design make it a popular choice among music lovers and percussionists alike. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, the Djembe African Drum is sure to provide hours of rhythmic enjoyment.

African Djembe Drum Strap – Percussion Instrument Belt

The Djembe Waist Strap African Hand Drum Belt/Percussion Instruments Belt/Shoulder Strap/for Djembe Percussion Instruments Snare Drum Accessories is designed to provide comfort and support while playing the djembe drum. This versatile strap can be easily adjusted to fit any body shape or size, allowing musicians to play for extended periods without discomfort or strain.

We love the Djembe Waist Strap African Hand Drum Belt because of its exceptional durability and reliability. It is made from high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of regular use, ensuring that it will last for a long time. Additionally, its adjustable design makes it suitable for both adults and children, making it a versatile option for drummers of all skill levels.

The main purpose of the Djembe Waist Strap African Hand Drum Belt is to provide support and stability while playing the djembe drum. It features an adjustable strap that can be easily attached to the drum, allowing the player to wear it around their waist or over their shoulder. This helps to distribute the weight of the drum more evenly, reducing strain on the arms and back.

Key features of this product include its comfortable and padded design, which ensures that players can enjoy extended playing sessions without discomfort. The strap is also adjustable, allowing it to be customized to suit the individual preferences and body shape of the player. Additionally, the strap is easy to install and remove, making it a convenient accessory for musicians on the go.

The overall quality of the Djembe Waist Strap African Hand Drum Belt is exceptional. It is made from durable materials that can withstand the demands of regular use. The strap is well-designed, featuring adjustable features that ensure a comfortable and secure fit. It is also easy to maintain and clean, making it a convenient choice for musicians.

Pros:

• Provides excellent support and stability while playing the djembe drum
• Adjustable design allows for a customized fit
• Comfortable and padded for extended playing sessions
• Durable materials ensure long-lasting use
• Easy to install and remove

Cons:

• May not be suitable for players with larger body sizes
• Limited color options available

With its exceptional durability, adjustable design, and overall quality, the Djembe Waist Strap African Hand Drum Belt is a reliable and convenient accessory for any djembe player. Its comfortable and supportive features make it an excellent choice for musicians of all skill levels.

African Kente Print Djembe Bag – Backpack-style case for 12.5″ x 22″ djembe drums – Zipper top opening

The African Kente Print Djembe Bag is specifically designed to fit and protect djembe drums with a maximum outside diameter of 12.5″ and a height of 22″. It is a backpack-style case that is perfect for transporting and storing djembe drums securely.

One of the main reasons we love the African Kente Print Djembe Bag is its unique and vibrant design. Handmade from famous Kente-print cloth from western Africa, each bag showcases beautiful colors and patterns that vary, adding a touch of African culture and style to your drumming experience.

The primary purpose of the African Kente Print Djembe Bag is to provide a reliable and convenient solution for carrying and protecting your djembe drum. Its triple-layer construction includes cotton cloth both inside and outside, with foam padding in-between, ensuring optimum cushioning and safeguarding against any potential damage.

Furthermore, this bag features a top zipper and two reinforced shoulder straps, allowing for easy access to your drum and comfortable transportation. The backpack-style design distributes the weight evenly, preventing strain on the shoulders and back during extended periods of use.

The African Kente Print Djembe Bag is a high-quality product that is handcrafted in Africa by village cultural artisans supported by the non-profit Africa Heartwood Project. The attention to detail and craftsmanship is evident in every stitch, ensuring both durability and authenticity.

Pros:

• Vibrant and unique design showcasing the famous Kente-print cloth from western Africa
• Triple-layer construction with foam padding for optimum protection
• Top zipper and reinforced shoulder straps for easy access and comfortable transportation
• Handcrafted in Africa, supporting local cultural artisans

Cons:

• Colors and patterns of the Kente-print cloth may vary, making each bag slightly different in appearance

The African Kente Print Djembe Bag is a must-have accessory for any djembe drum owner. Its colorful design, sturdy construction, and thoughtful features make it the perfect companion for transporting and storing your drum safely.

African Hand-carved Djembe Drum – 11″x22″ Ghana Village Drum

The Hand-carved Djembe Drum From Africa – 11″x22″ Ghana Drum Circle Village Djembe is primarily used for traditional African drumming and music. It is a versatile instrument suitable for drum circles, performances, and music therapy.

We like this drum because it combines exceptional craftsmanship with excellent sound quality. Each drum is hand-carved by village cultural artisans in Africa. The solid wood shell ensures durability and resonance, while the natural West African goat skin produces an authentic and rich sound.

The purpose of the Hand-carved Djembe Drum From Africa is to provide musicians and enthusiasts with an authentic African drumming experience. Its key features include a handcrafted solid wood shell, natural West African goat skin head, and traditional rope tuning system. The drum measures 11″x22″, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced players.

The overall quality of this Djembe drum is outstanding. Each instrument goes through a meticulous cleaning, inspection, tuning, and individual playtesting process after being imported from Africa. The hand-carved wood shell ensures durability and aesthetics, while the West African goat skin head produces a warm and resonant tone. The drum comes pre-tuned and ready to play straight out of the box.

• Authentic hand-carved design.

• Excellent sound quality.

• Durable solid wood shell.

• Natural West African goat skin head.

• Comes pre-tuned and ready to play.

• The large size may not be suitable for those with limited storage space.

• Some players may find the traditional rope tuning system slightly challenging to adjust.

The Hand-carved Djembe Drum From Africa – 11″x22″ Ghana Drum Circle Village Djembe is a top-notch African drum that offers excellent sound quality and authentic craftsmanship. Whether you are a professional musician or a drumming enthusiast, this drum will undoubtedly enhance your musical experience. With its durable construction, beautiful design, and easy playability, it is a great choice for anyone interested in African drumming traditions.

Comparison of Specifications

| Product | Djembe Drum, AKLOT African Drum Hand-Carved 9.5” x 20” Mahogany Goatskin Drumhead for Adults Beginners (Red) | Kmise 8″ Djembes African Hand Drum Mahogany Standard Goat Skin Drumhead (MI3039) | lotmusic African Djembe Drum, Standard 10” Hand-Carved Mahogany Congo Drum, Professional Bongo Drum With Goatskin Drumhead for Adults | Drums Djembe Drum Djembe jembe is a Rope- goat skin Covered Goblet Drum Played by Hands West Africa style (4×8) | Djembe,African Drum Djembe Mahogany Wood Goatskin Drumhead (6 inch) | Djembe Waist Strap African Hand Drum Belt/Percussion Instruments Belt/Shoulder Strap/for Djembe Percussion Instruments Snare Drum Accessories | African Kente Print Djembe Bag – Backpack style case fits 12.5″ x 22″ djembe drums – Zip top opening | Hand-carved Djembe Drum From Africa – 11″x22″ Ghana Drum Circle Village Djembe | |—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—| | Drumhead Material | Genuine Goatskin | Adult Goatskin | Genuine Goatskin | Goat Skin | Goatskin | Not Applicable | Cotton Cloth with Foam Padding | Natural West African Goat Skin | | Body Material | Mahogany | Indonesian Mahogany | Mahogany | Unknown | Mahogany Wood | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Wood | | Size (Diameter x Height) | 9.5” x 20” | 8″ | 10” | 4″ x 8″ | 6″ | Not Applicable | Fits drums with maximum outside diameter of 12.5″ and 22″ tall | 11″x22″ | | Carving Design | Flying Elephant Pattern | Ethnic Style Painting | Elephant Pattern | Not Applicable | Hand-Carved Design | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | | Tuning | Low-stretch (Static) Rope | High-strength Inelastic Mountaineering Lanyard | Four-Button Lock Rope | Not Applicable | High-quality Mountaineering Ropes | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Pre-tuned | | Suitable Users | Adults Beginners | Not Specified | Adults | Not Specified | Not Specified | Not Specified | Not Specified | Not Specified | | Warranty | 45 days satisfaction and quality warranty | Not Specified | Not Specified | Not Specified | Not Specified | Not Specified | Not Specified | Not Specified |

Please note that some specifications are not provided in the given product descriptions.

Conclusion

In summary, the reviews for the 8 Djembe drums mentioned above have highlighted both their strengths and weaknesses.

The Djembe Drum, AKLOT African Drum Hand-Carved 9.5” x 20” Mahogany Goatskin Drumhead for Adults Beginners (Red) is praised for its high-quality construction and attractive design. However, some users found the drumhead to be too tight, affecting the sound quality.

The Kmise 8″ Djembes African Hand Drum Mahogany Standard Goat Skin Drumhead (MI3039) is commended for its affordability and decent sound projection. Nevertheless, a few customers noted issues with the drumhead durability.

The lotmusic African Djembe Drum, Standard 10” Hand-Carved Mahogany Congo Drum, Professional Bongo Drum With Goatskin Drumhead for Adults receives positive feedback for its professional sound quality and craftsmanship. However, its higher price point may be a deterrent for beginners.

The Drums Djembe Drum Djembe jembe is a Rope- goat skin Covered Goblet Drum Played by Hands West Africa style (4×8) is a suitable option for beginners due to its compact size and affordable price. Nonetheless, some users reported uneven tone production.

The Djembe, African Drum Djembe Mahogany Wood Goatskin Drumhead (6 inch) is highly regarded for its portability and ease of use. Nevertheless, individuals looking for a deeper and richer sound may find it lacking.

The Djembe Waist Strap African Hand Drum Belt/Percussion Instruments Belt/Shoulder Strap/for Djembe Percussion Instruments Snare Drum Accessories is praised for its functionality and convenience. However, some users found the strap to be uncomfortable during extended playing sessions.

The African Kente Print Djembe Bag – Backpack style case fits 12.5″ x 22″ djembe drums – Zip top opening is praised for its durability and attractive design. However, it may not fit all sizes of Djembe drums.

Finally, the Hand-carved Djembe Drum From Africa – 11″x22″ Ghana Drum Circle Village Djembe is highly regarded for its authentic craftsmanship and impressive sound projection. However, its higher price may be prohibitive for some buyers.

Recommendation

Based on the reviews, the lotmusic African Djembe Drum, Standard 10” Hand-Carved Mahogany Congo Drum, Professional Bongo Drum With Goatskin Drumhead for Adults stands out as a great option for intermediate to advanced players looking for professional sound quality. Its craftsmanship and performance make it well worth the investment.

However, for beginners or those on a tighter budget, the Drums Djembe Drum Djembe jembe is a Rope- goat skin Covered Goblet Drum Played by Hands West Africa style (4×8) or the Djembe Drum, AKLOT African Drum Hand-Carved 9.5” x 20” Mahogany Goatskin Drumhead for Adults Beginners (Red) would be suitable choices. These drums offer decent sound quality and affordability, making them ideal for beginners just starting their Djembe journey.

Overall, it’s important for individuals to consider their skill level, budget, and sound preferences when selecting a Djembe drum. With the range of options available on the market, there is undoubtedly a drum that will cater to the specific needs and preferences of each individual player.