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.
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.
Drum Team Building – it’s great to be back in business!
Beginners Djembe Drum 'Ice Cream' Rhythm
I know it has been said already by thousands of businesses the length and breadth of the country, but I will say it again – it is so amazing and such a relief to be back to near normality once again. It is fantastic to be able to meet people face to face. To talk to a real person and have a real conversation without anyone’s screen freezing or people being muted. And to drum live with other people – that is something I vow never to take for granted again. The theme of this month’s blog is gratitude; because for all the people and things we lost in this terrible year, for many of us a sense of gratitude has been gained.
Our event for Hightown Housing Association was planned and booked in January 2020; two months before the pandemic. Like so many other events, it was delayed again and again over the course of 18 months. Finally on the fifth attempt, it really happened! So last month nearly 250 of the Hightown’s staff came together at Shendish Manor in Hemel Hamptead to take part in their ‘Connect’ day – a special event for staff to have a well-earned rest from their work agendas and take part in a series of fun, creative activities with the company of other colleagues. As you can expect we were providing the ‘unbeatable energy’ with a series of interactive drumming and percussion group sessions.
Throughout the day we ran three big African Drumming Team Building workshops, each for 50-60 participants, plus a big post-lunch ice breaker where everyone participated in a percussion activity using our harmonic ‘Boomwhacker’ percussion tubes.
I had forgotten how exhilarating the sound is from a big group drum session. In the African drumming team workshops, you could feel the rumbling, vibrating bass of the djembes and dundun drums in your belly. You do not get that via Zoom or YouTube! As is always the case, with the support of the big group playing together it was easy for everyone to access and feel the beat. Only minutes into the session, the West African rhythms were in full swing. In fact, it wasn’t long before some of the participants were on their feet dancing!
In the ‘Boomwhacker Energiser’ session it was extraordinary to hear 250 people all playing in synchronicity throughout the room: fusing multiple patterns into one giant musical sound. Who could imagine this had been achieved by the group in only 10 minutes!
So how did such musical magic happen in such a short space of time? I think it is safe to say that everyone was so happy to be out of lockdown and so grateful to interact with others, that the entire group of delegates were always fully engaged throughout. There was no complacency present. All the activities on offer gave everyone a much needed sense of release as reservations were let go of and group positivity prevailed. For corporate events it is rare to see so many participants dance to the rhythms being created. Participants are so enthralled by the rhythms that they really want to get up and dance, but it is often hard to overcome the shyness that comes with dancing in front of other colleagues. That so many felt able to let down their guard and participate, just showed how positive the atmosphere was and how safe everyone felt to express their joy of the music. I very much felt it too.
“SO glad we finally managed to make this happen!! Well worth the wait. The drumming circles were amazing and SO many staff have already commented that they and the Boomwhackers were the highlight of their day! Thanks for the energy”
If your organisation needs to re-connect, please contact us to discuss how we can help.