Learn Classic 'Sunu' Djembe Drum Pattern
Learn Classic 'Sunu' Djembe Drum Pattern
In this video, I show you a step-by-step guide to playing the Malian 'Sunu' djembe pattern. Like the classic 'Djembe Populaire' rhythm, the Sunu pattern has lots of special hand coordination techniques which provide a great foundation for tackling more challenging phrases in the future. In the process of nailing this pattern, we will have some fun by using the Quincy Jones' 'Soul Bossa Nova' (aka Austin Powers theme tune) as a way of understanding the feel of this pattern around the pulse. Enjoy!
In this video, I show you a step-by-step guide to playing the Malian ‘Sunu’ djembe pattern.
Like the classic ‘Djembe Populaire’ rhythm, the Sunu pattern has lots of special hand coordination techniques which provide a great foundation for tackling more challenging phrases in the future. In the process of nailing this pattern, we will have some fun by using the Quincy Jones’ ‘Soul Bossa Nova’ (aka Austin Powers theme tune) as a way of understanding the feel of this pattern around the pulse.
This practice video supports the learning of the Malian ‘Sunu’ rhythm. See the full breakdown of this rhythm in the video entitled ‘Learn Classic ‘Sunu’ Djembe Drum Pattern’. Play along with me as I take segments of the classic pattern to create solid grounding in the coordination.
Learning Djembe - creating a positive mindset
Learning djembe - creating a positive mindset
As I'm about to embark on a big Africa study trip adventure, I wanted to talk about learning and practising djembe and the attitude I have found useful to adopt on the way. As someone who has often fallen victim to the dreaded 'I'm not good enough' thought, this video is really about the things which motivate us to play a musical instrument. I hope some of you find it useful.
Learn Samba Rhythm... Using Sweets!
Learn Samba Rhythm... Using Sweets!
Wait! Don't eat those tic-tacs yet - make a funky rhythm first! Want to know how your mints can make music? Find out how in this video!
Djembe Drumming Lesson - Djembe Tone, Not Djembe Thud
Djembe Drumming Lesson - Djembe Tone, Not Djembe Thud
In the early stages of learning djembe technique it can be difficult to create resonance when making the tone beat on the side of the drum. This video looks at what might be going wrong and what you can do to change a flat thud to a nice rich tone.
Free African Drum Lesson - Four Pulse Exercises
Learn Samba Rhythm... Using Sweets!
This video provides four exercises for playing African rhythms where the counting is in 'threes'. There is an easy exercise which for many people comes naturally; one which is a little trickier to feel; a harder exercise and finally a nice challenge exercise at the end. All these patterns lend themselves to 12/8 and 6/8 patterns for West African djembe and Dundun drumming. Good luck with it and do leave us a comment on the video to tell me how you get on.
Free School Drumming Lessons - Teach Your Students Online!
Free School Drumming Lessons - Teach Your Students Online!
Put a drum in front of a child and they don't need to ask what to do - they can play already. But how do you help young children discover that a drum is not just something with which to create noise, but, with a few steps, can create music. This fun, easy game helps young children learn 'turn-taking' to create rhythm dialogue. It also helps them appreciate the way little 'pockets of silence' transform a group sound from noise to instant drum music.
When I went to Gambia over 20 years ago I was amazed by the way that people were able to create so much sonic power in a single clap.
From ‘ear splitting’ high fives to more subtle ‘popping’ pulse beats to accompany songs, the people in West Africa showed me that even without a drum, I could harness the power of the drum beat just using my own hands.
This video shows teachers and drumming enthusiasts how to create this awesome ‘popping’ clap beat – which I call the ‘Starfish’ clap. After learning the clap sound, stay on the video to learn an easy ‘off beat’ rhythm which has worked with children as young as 6 years old.
Free African Drum Lessons - Mix mix 4/4 + 6/8 Pulse
Free African Drum Lessons - Mix mix 4/4 + 6/8 Pulse
This is an easy exercise to help you get comfortable with playing rhythms where there is a cross-over between a pulse in 3s and a pulse in 2s. Getting started with this simple technique will open many possibilities to develop polyrhythmic patterns and help you get to grips with djembe and dundun rhythm arrangements where the two pulses can be felt simultaneously.
Sidiki’s band, featuring vocalists, instrumentalists, and drummers, added a unique flavour to our workshops, creating a mesmerizing blend of rhythms and melodies. His dedication to showcasing African culture extended beyond music, with enlightening excursions and festival experiences that gave us a deeper understanding of the community.
The course far exceeded expectations, thanks to Sidiki’s commitment to authenticity and punctuality. I am eager to share the rich music and insights gained with the schools, businesses, and community groups I work with back home. This experience has been truly unforgettable, shaping my perspective on music and culture in profound ways.
Beginners Djembe Drum 'Ice Cream' Rhythm
Beginners Djembe Drum 'Ice Cream' Rhythm
This rhythm is one of my favourite groove patterns, as it creates a nice sense of momentum when played alongside other patterns which play on the beat. It is loosely inspired by Senegal rhythms such as the Mbalax rhythm from Sabba drumming. In the video, I use a silly 'ice cream' chant to help grab the feeling of the beat. I also break the rhythm into parts so you can focus on the different techniques and coordination.
FREE TUTORIAL: Learn Djembe 'Populaire' Rhythm
FREE TUTORIAL: Learn Djembe 'Populaire' Rhythm
Djembe 'Populaire' is one of the most important rhythms in West African Djembe playing. It is often called the 'Passport Rhythm' - play this and you can cross the boundary from a beginner to a pro! This seven video playlist starts with a full overview of the rhythm and its specific coordination, followed by six practise patterns that take you in stages to mastering the pattern in full.
Where Does Samba Music Come From? Exploring The Origins Of Samba Drumming
Where Does Samba Music Come From? Exploring The Origins Of Samba Drumming
We’ve been providing samba drumming workshops and classes for over 25 years, and one of the most common questions we hear is: where does this amazing music come from?
So, we thought we’d give you a detailed blog post diving into the vibrant history of samba music! In our previous blog, we discussed the origins of African drumming in our African Drumming Facts blog. This time, we’ll be taking you to the rich, vibrant streets of Brazil.
What is Samba music, and where does it come from?
Samba is a genre of music originating from Brazil, with roots embedded in Afro-Brazilian traditions. It’s a broad term to describe the multitude of unique rhythms that originated in the communities of Bahai in the late 19th century, and Rio de Janeiro in the early 20th century.
Over time, samba music has acquired admiration all over the world due to its infectious, vibrant rhythms and the exciting street performances which accompany the beats.
This melding of upbeat music and community engagement has fostered an important cultural icon that is loved worldwide. Several unique instruments are incorporated into the wonderfully distinct samba sounds.
Traditionally, samba music features string instruments like the cavaquinho and different guitars, alongside percussion instruments such as the famous tamborim drums. Samba holds a special place as a symbol of Brazil and its iconic Carnival festivities. We aren’t exaggerating when we say samba is one of the most cherished cultural expressions of Brazil!
The Bahian Samba de Roda, acknowledged as a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity in 2005, serves as the cornerstone for the samba carioca, the vibrant music and dance style synonymous with Rio de Janeiro.
The Criminalisation of Samba Music
In its early years, Samba encountered harsh scrutiny from the Brazilian authorities. Originating in the Favelas, it emerged as a distinctly Afro-Brazilian musical genre, fostering deep bonds that brought people together.
This strengthening of community was seen as a threat by the Brazilian authorities, who even claimed it was linked to Afro-Brazilian cults. Consequently, many early composers of samba faced criminal persecution and instruments were destroyed.
With samba being made illegal, the genre had to endure underground. Thankfully, samba is now seen as a landmark of traditional music – a far cry from its defiant past of resisting the authorities, it is now embraced by the government.
Samba’s Roots in the Rio Carnival
The Rio Carnival in Brazil is deeply intertwined with Samba, and their origins tell a captivating story.
Picture this: during the Portuguese colonial era, European masquerade balls collided with vibrant African cultural traditions, including music and dance. Out of this melting pot emerged Samba, with its pulsating rhythms and lively beats, gradually becoming the soul of the carnival.
As time passed, Samba schools sprang up across Rio de Janeiro, each representing a unique community and bringing its own flavour to the carnival parade. Today, the Rio Carnival is a dazzling extravaganza where the beats of samba fill the streets. The schools perform passionately for the top spot. It’s a celebration like no other, uniting people from all walks of life in a whirlwind of culture, music, and sheer joy.
Quite rightly, the Rio Brazil Carnival is described as the biggest party on the planet! Take a look for yourself:
Samba Instruments
Modern urban samba is played with several percussion instruments, including:
At Unbeatable Energy, we’ve had the joy of teaching samba drumming to thousands of people spanning two decades. We’ve visited hundreds of schools across the country, introducing pupils to the joy of traditional drumming. We also provide evening classes in Sheffield and perform events across the country.
We’ve hosted African & Samba drumming workshops with teams at Google, HSBC, John Lewis and Money Super Market to name a few. Our boomwhacker events are unique solutions for conference ice breakers:
If you’re a school or business in the UK looking to educate or improve teamwork and communication and break the ice with your employees, please contact us today.
