The doundou / Dunun or Doundoumba set, is composed of 3 tunable drums: the doundoumba, the sangban (Sangbeni), and the kenkeni (Kensedeni). These double-sided drums are of three different sizes, each of them being carved out of a single piece of Melina wood.
The skins of the drums have different thicknesses, which contribute to the different sounds they provide. They are usually calf or cowskins.
Shell size is the other contributing factor in the different pitch sound of each drum. The size of the drums range from the biggest, the bass toned doundoumba; the medium, regular toned sangbeni and the smallest, high pitched kenkeni.
Each drum is played by a single player using one wooden sticks and set the beat of the orchestra.
A metal bell is attached to each of them, to complement rhythm when played horizontally. All 3 of them are also sometimes played in a vertical position by a single player using two wooden sticks (Modern Balai version).
The doundoun set originated from the region of actual Guinea, and Mali (West Africa), and is most likely a natural evolution of the Tamani instrument through time.
These drums are accompanied by djembe in dance rhythms.
The proposed sets are built in Guinea - west Africa, with the 4 metal rings system.
All musical instruments are authentic pieces imported directly from west Africa
(Guinea, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone.). The craftsmen who create them are descended from families who have produced the same artefacts for generations. They have mastered the techniques of selecting materials and building instruments through the years. Hear for yourself the unique sound that first echoed through Africa and now the world
Limited time offer:
A free set of Doundoun Bells with the purchase of a Doundoun set
Each drum can be sold separately - Customized original stick provided with each Drum
For supplemental information, please read our Djembe drumming blog article:
"Purchasing the right Doundoumba set for you"
