Activity+2.2

 **__Activity 2.2: Introduction to the Djembe __**

**Introduction:** The djembe finds it roots in Western African countries of Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Gambia. Originally found among the Mandingo people of West Africa, the djembe was fashioned by the “Numu” or blacksmith caste. Believed to possess special powers, the male “Numu” were responsible for carving masks for sacred rituals as well as djembes were carved for specific drummers. While Djembes were played at community gatherings, and at sacred ceremonies, they were also used as a form of communication between villages. In some rural areas of West Africa, the djembe continues to be used in these ways.

> The grand master featured in this video is Sega Cisse, a 70 year-old master djembe player from Mali. media type="youtube" key="eYY4WhdlS2c&hl=en&fs=1" height="380" width="468" Discussion Questions:
 * ** Listen: ** to the **Grand Master Djembe Player. **

  **Listen to African jembe cora music** media type="youtube" key="BeuQvk2D7AY&hl=en&fs=1" height="423" width="521" Question: How does this performance differ from the first one you heard?
 * What do you notice about this performance?
 *  What are the different strokes that are being used?
 *  What are the differences in the sounds of these strokes?

<span style="font-size: 130%; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif">**Assessment and Response:** <span style="font-size: 120%; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">Write your response to the above question in your listening/viewing journal using the form from Unit 1..

<span style="font-size: 120%; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">If you wish to explore further how the Djembe is made check out **<span class="wiki_link_ext">[|this website]. **. It has a good explanation accompanied by visual images.
 * <span style="font-size: 130%; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif">Lesson Extension: **