Types of African Drums Explained: MLPercussions' Complete Guide

You know that feeling; that moment when a powerful African beat just grabs you, makes your head nod or your foot tap without even thinking. 

We've all been there! Often, that infectious groove comes from the deep, varied heart of African percussion. At MLPercussions, we live and breathe that magical pulse every single day.

But here's a fun thought: if you've ever heard a captivating African drum pattern and wondered, "What kind of drum was that?!" – you're in good company. 

Just like there are countless melodies in music, there are an astonishing number of types of African drums, each with its own unique sound, story, and role in creating these incredible percussive landscapes.

This guide is our invitation to you. We'll explore this immense diversity, delving into the distinct voices, the vital purposes, and the rich cultural uniqueness woven into every single drum. 

Our passion is to share the authentic energy of these instruments, connecting you directly to the traditions that make their musical phrases so special. Get ready to embark on a fascinating drumming journey with us.

When you hear a drum, it's easy to just hear the sound. But to truly understand the rich world of African percussion, we need to look closer. 

The vast number of types of African drums aren't just random variations; they are carefully crafted instruments, each shaped by its environment, materials, and the purpose it serves.

types of african drums

Understanding the Different Types of African Drums

When you hear a drum, it's easy to just hear the sound. But to truly have an indepth understanding of the African percussion, we need to look closer. 

The vast number of African drum types are not just random variations; they are carefully crafted instruments, each shaped by its environment, materials, and the purpose it serves.


Here's what gives each African drum its unique identity:

1. More Than Just a Beat: 

Think about it: a drum's shape, the animal hide used for its head, the wood it's carved from, and even how it's tuned or played—all these elements combine to create a distinct voice.

A tall, slender drum will sing differently from a wide, squat one, and playing with hands offers a different sound than using sticks.

2. A Continent of Sound:

Briefly touch upon how African drums types vary by region and tradition, showing the continent's immense and diverse cultural heritage.

3. The Unifying Spirit:

Despite this incredible diversity, there's a powerful thread that connects all these instruments. 

Whether it's a booming signal across villages or a subtle accompaniment to a dancer, all kinds of African drums echo a shared purpose: to bring communities together, celebrate life's moments, tell stories, and preserve cultural heritage through their powerful percussive language.


types of african drums

Major Types of African Drums You'll Encounter

When looking at the many types of African drums, it helps to group them by their main features and how they're played. This gives us a clearer picture of their roles in music.


Let’s discuss the main families of drums you'll meet:


A. The Goblet Family:

aThese drums get their name from their shape, which looks like a large drinking goblet. The Djembe is the most famous example, but others like the Ashiko also belong here.

They typically have a wide top for striking and a narrow base. They're known for producing a wide range of sounds – from deep bass tones to sharp, cutting slaps – depending on how they're struck.


B. The Talking Ensemble:

These are truly special types of African drums because they can mimic human speech. The Dundun, Gangan, and Omele (which we discussed earlier!) are key members of this family.

They have an hourglass shape, and players squeeze the laces or ropes running along the body to change the pitch, making the drum "talk." They play crucial roles in conveying messages and praise singing.


C. The Barrel Bass:

As the name suggests, these drums are shaped like barrels, often wider in the middle. Examples include the Kpanlogo and the deeper Dunun drums.

They usually provide a strong, foundational beat or a steady pulse. They can be played with hands, sticks, or a combination, and often lay down the powerful groove that others play over.


D. Unique Shapes and Materials:

Not all types of African drums are made of wood and hide. This group includes instruments like the Udu (a clay pot drum with a unique airy sound), various Slit Drums (carved from wood with tongues that are struck), and even Frame Drums (like the Bendir) which are shallow, wide drums.

These instruments add different textures and percussive layers to the musical mix, offering a variety of soundscapes.


Meet the Icons: Exploring Prominent Types of African Drums' Voices and Stories

Mlpercussions range pf african drums


These are the drums that often first capture people's imagination when they think about African percussion. Each has its own distinct personality and a vital role in its home culture.

A. The Djembe

This goblet-shaped drum, originating from the Mande peoples of West Africa, is arguably one of the most recognizable types of African drums worldwide.

  • Its Voice: 

The Djembe is incredibly versatile, producing three main sounds: a deep bass (from the center), a clear tone (from the edge), and a sharp, cutting slap (from a quick, strong strike near the rim). This range allows it to create complex musical patterns.

  • Its Role: 

From village celebrations to modern stages, the Djembe is a drum of celebration, storytelling, and dance accompaniment.

  • Quick Tip: 

Try practicing a simple "bass-tone-slap" pattern to get a feel for its range.


Explore our Djembe collection here!


B. The Talking Drum Family (Dundun, Gangan, Omele)

These hourglass-shaped drums are truly unique among African drums types because they can mimic the human voice.


  • How They Talk: 

Players squeeze the laces running along the drum's body to change the pitch, allowing the drum to "speak" words and phrases.

  • Their Voices: 

This family includes the larger Dundun, the mid-sized Gangan, and the higher-pitched Omele. 

Each plays a specific role in a drum ensemble, often engaging in intricate rhythmic conversations.

  • Their Role: 

Talking drums are vital for communication, praise singing for chiefs and deities, and guiding dancers during ceremonies.

  • Quick Tip: 

Practice a gentle "squeeze and release" while striking to hear how the pitch changes.


Learn more about playing the Omele drum!

Discover our Authentic Talking Drums!


C. The Djun-Djun (Bass Drums)

Often played alongside Djembes or other drums, the Djun-Djun family provides the essential low-end foundation. These are typically cylindrical drums played with mallets.


  • Its Powerful Drive: 

This family includes the high-pitched Kenkeni, the mid-range Sangban, and the deep, booming Dununba. They lay down the consistent, driving pulse that anchors the entire musical performance.

  • Its Role: 

They are the heartbeat of the ensemble, providing rhythmic structure and energy.

  • Quick Tip: 

Practice a simple, steady "walking" beat (left-right-left-right) to feel their grounding power.


D. The Bata Drums

Originating from the Yoruba people, the Bata drums are a set of three sacred, double-headed drums played for religious ceremonies and secular music.


  • Their Unique Shape: 

They are distinct hourglass-shaped drums, played horizontally.

  • The Three Voices: 

The largest, Iya (mother drum), converses with the mid-sized Itotele and the smallest, Okonkolo.

  • Their Role: 

Bata drums are central to spiritual rituals and celebrations, with complex rhythms dedicated to various deities. They also feature prominently in popular music styles.

  • Quick Tip: 

Try a simple call-and-response pattern between a low tone and a higher tone, mimicking the drum's conversation.



More Than Just Sound: The Cultural Heartbeat of African Drums


The drums we've discussed, and many others, are deeply woven into daily life and significant events across the continent. 

They aren't just for entertainment; they play essential roles that connect people and history.

Let us see how these instruments serve their communities:


  • Drums as Communication: 

For centuries, drums have acted as powerful messengers. Specific beat patterns could signal warnings, call meetings, or announce important news across villages, often much faster than a person could travel. They literally spoke.


  • Ceremonial Roles: 

From births to marriages, harvests to rites of passage, drums are central to countless ceremonies and rituals. 

Their unique sounds and patterns often guide the proceedings, inviting spirits, honoring ancestors, or marking significant life stages.


  • Dance and Storytelling Companions: 

African drums are the driving force behind traditional dances, providing the pulse and energy that inspires movement. 

They also play a vital part in oral storytelling, with specific patterns enhancing narratives and bringing ancient tales to life.


  • Unifying Communities: 

At their core, drumming brings people together. Whether in a village gathering, a celebration, or a shared learning session, the collective act of creating music fosters connection, unity, and a powerful sense of shared experience. 

The communal drumming creates a bond.


Quick Answers: Your Questions about Types of African Drums


We often get asked specific questions about African drums. Here are some straightforward answers to help you understand them better.


1. What are the 5 main African drums types?

The main categories often include Goblet drums (like the Djembe), Talking drums (like the Dundun), Barrel drums (like the Kpanlogo), Frame drums, and Slit drums. Many other variations and unique percussive instruments exist, but these cover the major forms.

2. What is the most popular type of African drum?

The Djembe is arguably the most widely known and played type of African drum globally, recognized for its versatile sound and adaptability to many musical styles.

3. Are different African drums hard to learn?

Like any instrument, learning to play African drums takes dedication. 

However, most are quite intuitive to begin with, focusing on hand and finger techniques. 

Mastering their rich musical patterns and cultural nuances is a rewarding lifelong journey.

4. How do talking drums work?

Talking drums have an hourglass shape with laces running along the body. 

Players hold the drum under one arm and squeeze the laces while striking the drumhead. 

This squeezing action tightens or loosens the drumhead, changing its pitch to mimic the tones and inflections of human speech.

5. What are African drums made of?

Traditionally, African drums are crafted from natural materials. 

This commonly includes carved hardwood for the shell, animal hides (like goat, cow, or antelope) for the drumheads, and natural ropes or leather thongs for tuning and tensioning. 

Some drums also incorporate calabash, clay, or other natural elements.

types of african drum

Lastly….

We've explored the origins, sounds, and cultural roles of many different types of African drums. From the versatile Djembe to the "speaking" Talking Drum, and the foundational Djun-Djun to the sacred Bata, each instrument offers a unique window into a vibrant heritage.

The beauty of learning about and connecting with these authentic instruments is immense. Every beat you play or sound you discover deepens that connection.

Ready to find the perfect drum to start your own story, or to add a new voice to your collection?


Discover our authentic collection of African drums at MLPercussions!

And to keep the inspiration going and learn even more, explore our recent articles:



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