The drum (djembe) is a percussive instrument that goes back a long way in history. Traditionally an (West) African drum it is quite a popular instrument these days. While there are many different sources of its history (and more in depth) on the Internet, I wish to tackle this from a different perspective. I respect the history and honour the traditional owners of knowledge – but I also acknowledge the spirit of the Muses to take it to the next level.

Drums have been with humanity since the dawn of time. A skin stretched over a hollow stump/ring of wood – making a wonderful tone/sound. It touches us on a very primal level. The art of the thumping sounds has since been associated with the beat of reality and life itself — the most basic beat, the heart beat. From the moment we hear our mother’s heartbeat (and blood floow at the same timing) within the womb to the moment of birth where we beat our own drums/heart. A new song born off the old. The beat never stops, as we take each step. Left.. right.. Left… right. We have rhythm in every one of us – but it had been masked by the sounds of the reality. Cars, birds, etc. We foster “intellectual order” not “intuitive order”. Intellectual in the sense that things had to “make sense”. Drums being a primal instrument/sound maker transcends these “senses”. It has its own order.. in basic terms the 4/4 and the 6/8 timings (or 12/8 amalgamation) is the most common. Yet we don’t need to learn it. We are exposed to 4/4’s all the time. An even metronomic beat – pop songs, dance, and even classical. 6/8 (or waltzlike beats) tended towards more fringe styles (some jazz, celtic/folk, etc). Timing can be explored later.

I have met a lot of drummers of late – some old, some new. I fully empathize with the starter ones, full of doubt in themselves (“I can’t do this”, “They’re SO good”, “so hard”..) – yet they feel the stirring of something deep. Something meaningful in the deep rich sounds that call into their souls. The “God” side (for later discussion) is calling out for the primal return. The answer is to TURN THE BRAIN OFF and embrace the flow of it.

Today, the drum whispers:
* Banish the doubt in yourself.
You CAN do it.
There is NO competition
You learn at YOUR own pace (don’t be too hard on yourself)
It comes with time/practice (or lack thereof ;))
* Turn off the brain (will be elaborated later)
It inhibits you with things the society brainwashes you into: comparison, emotions (unworthy, stupid, embarassment, etc)
It also tries to analyze everything. Drums are primal – don’t overanalyze.
* Mimicry is not a bad thing
A lot of people start learning words by mimicking “Mama/Papa” from young. Music is no different.
* Use your ears, not your eyes
Music is an audible experience. It CAN extend to visuals in dance, performances – but that’s the icing on the cake. Focus too much on the icing, and you lose the cake!
Trust in your ears. Our society trains us to look (for where you’re going, street signs, traffic lights, posters, ads, news, computers!). For once, close the eyes and listen. The pulse/beat will come.

There is more to come. Hope this wets your tongue for more to drink from.