African percussion instruments and how to buy in the UK

Are you a musician, a teacher, or simply a music lover in the UK looking for authentic African percussion instruments? 

Finding genuine, high-quality drums and instruments in the UK can be a real challenge, as many online stores offer mass-produced imitations.

At MLPercussions, we believe in the power and authenticity of traditional, handcrafted instruments. 

Our mission is to connect you with the real thing. 

This guide is designed to help you not only find the right instrument but also show you where to buy African drums and other unique percussions in the UK.

We’ll cover everything from the majestic talking drum to the melodic balafon, and point you toward trusted stores, including our own, so you can make your purchase with confidence.

 

Understanding African Percussion Instruments

When you start to explore African percussion instruments, you'll find a world of different sounds and traditions. 

Each instrument has its own unique voice and history. Here are three of the most well-known instruments.

1. The Talking Drum 

• The talking drum is a unique, hourglass-shaped instrument with a sound that can mimic the tones of human speech. 
• By squeezing the ropes, a musician can change its pitch, which is why it's often called a "conversational" instrument. 
• It's used in traditional music to tell stories and send messages.

2. The Djembe 

• Known for its powerful and versatile sound, the djembe is one of the most famous African drums. 
• Shaped like a goblet, it produces a wide range of tones, from a deep, low bass note to a sharp, high slap. 
• It's a popular instrument for both beginners and professionals.

3. The Balafon 

• The balafon is a melodic instrument similar to a xylophone. 
• It's made from wooden keys laid over gourd resonators, which give it a warm, woody sound. 
• The balafon is used to play beautiful melodies and harmonies that add a rich, melodic layer to the rhythm.

CHECK THIS COMPREHENSIVE BLOG:

WEST AFRICAN MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS | NAMES | ORIGIN | TYPES 

Where to Buy African Percussion Instruments in the UK

Finding a trustworthy place to buy African drums and other authentic percussion can be difficult. 

It's easy to get lost in a sea of imitations online. 

To help you find real, handcrafted instruments, we've put together a list of trusted stores, starting with our own.

MLPercussions: Your Best Option for Authentic Instruments

For instruments that are hard to find, like the talking drum, Omele, and Iya Ilu, we are your best option. 

Each of our instruments is handcrafted with care, ensuring that you get a high-quality product that will last. 

We specialize in authentic, handcrafted instruments that are often difficult to source in the UK.

Other Reputable UK Drum Stores

While we specialize in handcrafted talking drums and other unique instruments, we understand you might be looking for other African percussion instruments like the djembe, balafon, or shakers. 

Here are a few great stores in the UK that offer high-quality, authentic instruments.

• Wooden Roots 
  
  Founded in the US (LA) and now with a UK presence, Wooden Roots is a fantastic resource for high-quality, custom-made djembes. 
  
  They are deeply passionate about the djembe and their workshops and community are a testament to that.  
  
  Website: woodenroots.com

• Drum Africa

Based in London, Drum Africa offers authentic, hand-imported drums for sale, with a strong focus on community.

They also host regular African drumming sessions at the Greenwich West Community Centre, making them a great resource for both instruments and lessons. 

          Website: www.drumafrica.co.uk

• Drumroots 
  Based in Manchester, Drumroots specializes in traditional West African drums and offers workshops in addition to sales. 
  
  They are a fantastic source for authentic instruments and have a deep knowledge of the culture behind them.
  
  Website:  drumroots.org.uk

 

A Simple Guide to Choosing Your Instrument

When you're ready to buy, picking the right instrument can feel a little tough. 

To help you choose with confidence, just think about a few simple things.

A. Your Skill Level:

• If you're new to drumming, a djembe is a great choice. It's a popular drum that's easy to start learning. 
• If you've been playing for a while and want a fun challenge, a talking drum or a balafon is a good next step.

B. The Sound You Want:

• Do you want a loud drum for a group, or a melodic instrument for solo playing? 
• Each drum has its own voice. Listen to a few online to see what kind of sound you like best.

LEARN HOW TO PLAY THE TALKING DRUM HERE

Exploring African Percussion Across the Continent

African percussion is incredibly diverse, with instruments from different regions having their own unique sounds and stories. 

While West African drums are well-known, there is a whole continent of rhythms to explore.

1. West Africa 
   
   This region is a powerhouse of drumming traditions. The Talking Drum is a popular instrument in countries like Nigeria and Ghana, known for its ability to mimic speech. 
   
   The Djembe is a staple in many West African nations, particularly Mali, Guinea, and Senegal, and is famous for its powerful bass and sharp slap sounds.

2. Southern Africa 
   
   The Mbira, also known as the thumb piano, is a melodic instrument with deep cultural roots in Zimbabwe. 
   
   It is made of metal keys attached to a wooden board, and it's used to play beautiful, repetitive tunes that are both soothing and spiritual.

3. East Africa 
   
   This region features a variety of unique instruments. The Engoma, a type of drum, is common in Uganda and is used in a wide range of ceremonies and performances. 
   
   The Zeze, a one-stringed fiddle, is an integral part of traditional music in countries like Tanzania and adds a distinct melodic element to ensembles.

4. Central Africa 
   
   In Central Africa, the Slit Drum is a prominent instrument. Carved from a single piece of wood, it is played by striking its two "lips" to produce different pitches. 
   
   It serves as both a musical instrument and a powerful tool for communication across countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon.

SEE MORE:

School Of Percussion: 11 Most Famous Percussion Instruments Used Globally

HOW TO BUY A DRUM FROM MLPERCUSSIONS

We understand that you’re more than ready to buy your authentic African percussion instrument, and we’re more than willing to guide you through the process of owing one.

Here's a simple, step-by-step guide to make your purchase with us as smooth as possible:

• Our handcrafted talking drums typically range from £99 to £299, ensuring you get an authentic, high-quality instrument at a fair price.

Step 1: Choose Your Instrument 

Browse our collection to find the perfect instrument for you. 

If you're looking for a talking drum, select the configuration you want; either single or double. Remember, our products are priced in pounds sterling (£).

Step 2: Add to Cart & Checkout 

Once you've made your choice, click "Add to cart" to place the item in your shopping basket. 

When you're ready to complete your purchase, click the "Buy with Shop" button to start the checkout process.

 

Step 3: Enter Your Details 

You'll be asked to provide your contact information (email or mobile number) and your delivery address. 

Make sure all the details are accurate so we can get your instrument to you as quickly as possible. 

You can also save your information for a faster checkout next time.

Step 4: Select Your Payment Method 

We accept a variety of secure payment methods, including credit card, PayPal, and Google Pay. 

Choose the option that's most convenient for you to complete your order. We also offer Klarna for flexible payment options.

You can also VISIT OUR CONTACT PAGE to Access More Guidance and Clarity.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has made your search for authentic African percussion instruments in the UK a little easier. 

You now know the difference between a talking drum and a djembe, understand what to look for when you buy African drums, and know exactly where to find them.

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At MLPercussions, our passion is connecting you with the heart and soul of African music through handcrafted instruments. 

We're proud to be your trusted source for high-quality talking drums, Omele, and Iya Ilu, all made with care and tradition.

Now that you have all the information you need, there's nothing stopping you from starting your own rhythmic journey.

BUY YOUR PERCUSSIONS INSTRUMENTS TODAY. 

VISIT OUR COLLECTION TO FIND YOUR PERFECT CHOICE