Djembe

Tarik plays an African hand drum called a Djembe and Zainab sells high-quality handmade jewelry on the streets of NYC.

All articles at Blogcritics Louis Boram 2008

Tarik plays an African hand drum called a Djembe and Zainab sells high-quality handmade jewelry on the streets of NYC.

All articles at Blogcritics 2008

We danced to the Djembe, a drum casted by blacksmiths of the Mande culture that has become most commonly associated with West African dance in America -- consisting of the most recognizable steps, costume ornamentation and popular rhythms.

Sasha Brookner: Sabar: African Hip-Hop Sasha Brookner 2012

When I move to the Djembe, I am aware of the history inherent in each step and I lift the weight of each village on my shoulders in ancient recognition; but, with Sabar I am in tune with modern-day urban Africans who, like Oaktown's 3.5.7, often throw convention to the wind.

Sasha Brookner: Sabar: African Hip-Hop Sasha Brookner 2012

We danced to the Djembe, a drum casted by blacksmiths of the Mande culture that has become most commonly associated with West African dance in America -- consisting of the most recognizable steps, costume ornamentation and popular rhythms.

Sasha Brookner: Sabar: African Hip-Hop Sasha Brookner 2012

I knew it was Djembe but it was nuanced -- unlike the one-dimensional cadence I was used to hearing in my American taught college classes.

Sasha Brookner: Sabar: African Hip-Hop Sasha Brookner 2012

I knew it was Djembe but it was nuanced -- unlike the one-dimensional cadence I was used to hearing in my American taught college classes.

Sasha Brookner: Sabar: African Hip-Hop Sasha Brookner 2012

Relatively unknown in the West, there was another obscure drum which has been just as important in the Wolof and Serer cultures of the Senegambia region and would go on to be just as powerful and symbolic as the Djembe.

Sasha Brookner: Sabar: African Hip-Hop Sasha Brookner 2012

Still, much like Hip-Hop, I slowly began to feel myself growing detached from Djembe dance.

Sasha Brookner: Sabar: African Hip-Hop Sasha Brookner 2012

When I move to the Djembe, I am aware of the history inherent in each step and I lift the weight of each village on my shoulders in ancient recognition; but, with Sabar I am in tune with modern-day urban Africans who, like Oaktown's 3.5.7, often throw convention to the wind.

Sasha Brookner: Sabar: African Hip-Hop Sasha Brookner 2012