Dunun is onmatopoeic word given to a variety of traditional barrel drums which spread throughout West Sub-Saharan Africa during the Mali Empire. Rawhide skin mainly from cow or goat is used at either end of the rope-tuned cylindrical drum. It is struck with a plain straight stick and played to provide the rhythmic and melodic base for djembe ensembles.

The djembe is a roped-tuned skin covered goblet shaped drum from West Africa. Its name is thought to come from a Malian phrase of the Bambara people meaning “to gather in peace”. Made from a hollow piece of hardwood with a goatskin head it has become popular all over the world in drumming circles and popular artists raising awareness with …