The djembe (likewise djimbe, jembe, jenbe, yembe, sanbanyi inside Susu; pronounced "JEM-bay") occurs as skin covered drum shaped like the big goblet & intended to become played by using bare paws. These are the member of the membranophone family of musical instruments. A djembe originated inside West Africa, where it became an integral a share of the region's music & tradition.

Following of a goblet shape, a density of a wood, the internal carvings, & the skin, there is a wide range of tones that can be by a djembe. Striking the skin nigh a center produces a bass note; striking the skin nigh the rim may make either a tone or even slap note, based on the system utilized. the slap has a higher pitch than the tone. More notes survive, but only advanced drummers may systematically produce healthy distinct from either a others.

Traditionally, djembes come astir Twelve"(30cm) in diameter, varying an inch or two, but can be found in sizes from 5"(Xii.7cm) as much as Xviii"(45.72cm) depending on the size of the player. Smaller djembes can be seen in the pictures on the right.

Trivia
The djembe first made an impact outside West Africa in Paris of the 1940s and more widely in the 1950s and 1960s with the filming and world tours of Les Ballets Africains featuring a young Papa Ladji Camara and led by Fodeba Keita of Guinea.

Some consider the djembe female and the ashiko to be male; however, the djembe is actually much more closely related in tone and design to the family of drums known as sabar, which are played with one hand and one stick, most closely to the Bung Bung Baal, and N'der drums.

Beginning in the late 20th century, the djembe became very popular in drum circles all around the world. In proper form, however, its played in ensemble with the dunun drum, bells, and sometimes tama, with individuals playing different parts that lace together intricately to weave a delicate rhytmic tapestry. Dancers are actually accompanied by a griot, who is the group leader or soloist whom will play sounds which align with the dancer's movements as they make them.

The djembe is said to contain 3 spirits. The spirit of the tree, the spirit of the animal of which the drum head is made and the spirit of the instrument maker. The djembe is also known as the magical drum, a mushroom shaped drum, and the Devil Drum. It is legend that the djimbe and/or the tree from which it is created was a gift from a Djinn or malevolent demigod, male counterpart to the more familiar Genie. Properly crafted djembe drums are carved in one single piece from hollowed out trees called Dimba, or Devil Wood. Drums made from slats or segments of wood glued together are considered by traditionalists to have no soul of the tree. Properly made drums are not smooth on the interior but have a series of teardrop shaped divots inside that enhances the tonal qualities. The drumheads are typically made from goatskin, but more rarely can be antelope, zebra, deer or calf. In all cases the female is preferred and adult cow is never used. In earlier times and still in some rural areas djembe were used to send messages over long distances.

The djembe is a secular Mandingo drum. It is found in all of West Africa, where it is one of the most common instruments.