CultureJuly 17, 2026
djembe
ˈdʒɛmbeɪ
Definition
A goblet-shaped hand drum originating from West Africa, played by striking the drumhead with bare hands to produce a variety of tones.
Etymology
The word comes from the Bamana language of Mali. It is derived from the phrase 'anke djé, anke bé,' which translates to 'everyone gather together in peace,' reflecting the instrument's historical function of bringing people together for community events.
In the news
In this article, the djembe is featured as a central cultural instrument and the namesake of the production 'The Revival: Djembe in the New Millennium,' highlighting its role in connecting traditional West African music to modern urban artistic expression.
Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater to headline Atlanta Dance & Drum Festival
Read the full article ↗ARTS ATL