Percussions.org

[Daniel Genton]

Djembefola Method

This craze seems to show a natural need, within an environment that is so overwhelmingly dominated by the media, to connect somehow to an ancestral tradition like the African tribal culture, where the Djembé takes its roots.

The art of Djembé has truly kept in touch with its organic, mythical and remote past.

An intuitive and instinctive approach to music through rhythm is only possible with the help of a handful of percussion instruments of which the Djembé, with its incredibly rich range of dynamics and sonorities, is certainly the most complete and expressive.

I would like to thank the people of Africa through all the great "Djembéfola" for passing on to us the passion of rhythm. I hope you will truly enjoy practicing with (the help of) "Djembefola"!

Concept

My intention is to show you, and lead you to the African way of playing the Djembé. This instrument offers an opportunity shared by no other percussion instrument; that is:

* On one hand, a great simplicity : there are only three basic sonorities (slap-medium or open tone-bass) and two possibilities of fingering (the left or right hand),

* And on the other hand, tremendously numerous ways of expression, thanks to many nuances in the dynamics and acoustics.

Some good research has already been published about the subject and has presented the instrument in the light of its historical, geographical and social background (see "Live Djembé" tutor by the same author and check the "I.D Music" catalogue for further references). Therefore, we will rather concentrate on the purely musical aspect and try to reach the core of African rhythms, where the Djembé truly expresses itself, using your innate sense of rhythm.

This approach allows for a very fast and direct progression towards the core of the rhythms and might thus seem difficult at first. Once you have found the basic landmarks though, you will find the improvements rather impressive and (almost) effortless ! This has been verified in my everyday practice with students, where the ones undergoing a very direct and instinctive learning process (such as: percussion workshops, live performances, auditions...) have made much greater and faster progress than the ones presented with a more traditional and academic way of teaching.

Djembefola takes you from the beginner's to the professional's level. In this tutor, I have tried to present you with a range of rhythms and accompaniments that allow you to understand and learn the authentic voice of the solo Djembé player, in a smooth and progressive way, letting you be guided mainly by your ear for rhythm.