The dunun (DOO-noon) family of West African bass drums (also dun dun, djun djun, dundun) creates the rhythmic and melodic foundation for many Malinke rhythms. The dunun is a membranophone percussion instrument consisting of a hollow tubular wood body, cow skin head on both ends, rope tensioning system, is struck with a stick, and often is accompanied by a bell (kenken). Each of the three dunun has a specific rhythm and role to play in the ensemble, and has a specific name.
The largest of the three is dundumba (DOON-doom-bah, also doudounba, dununba), which has the deepest voice and typically plays phrases that accentuate the rhythm's foundation and interact melodically with the sangban. The sangban (SONG-bahn, also sangba, sanba) is the middle-size drum, is tuned to mid-frequency that matches the tone of the djembe, and often plays a lead role in creating the core identity of the rhythm, with specific calls and variations that communicate to the dancers. The smallest of the family is kenkeni (KEN-ken-ee, also sangbani), which has the highest voice best suited to keep the pulse, or downbeat, of the rhythm. Each distinct part played by dundumba, sangan, or kenkeni typically has a bell pattern related to the drum pattern.
All of our dunun are handcrafted in West Africa, using traditional methods and materials available locally, and are imported direct. The Classic Dunun Set comes from Ghana, and is part of the intermediate level, student class of drums, suited for beginner and intermediate level drumming, school settings, drum circles, and rehearals. The Ivory Coast Dunun Set is part of the Paragon class of drum, better suited for experienced West African drummers, performance settings, and traditional African dance classes. Both sets are inspected, tuned as a family and played at our drum shop before shipping to you to ensure accurate tuning and sound. Click any of the photos below to learn more and to place your order!
Our innovative Travel Dunun Drum Set removes portability and storage problems common to full-size dunun. While still offering full volume and depth of sound, the compact size and reduced ...
The dunun (DOO-noon) family of drums (aka djun djun or dun dun) provides the rhythmic and melodic base for the most West African ensemble drumming. This
family of double-headed,...
This set of dunun (DOO-noon, aka dun dun, djun djun), imported direct from Ivory Coast, West Africa, is matched well in terms of size and sound, and represents a step up in construction a...
This extra large dundumba is part of the Classic line of imported drums from Africa Heartwood Project, great for students, schools, and drum circles. The doundoumba (largest) of the set o...
These kenken (KEN-ken) dunun bells are hand crafted by blacksmiths in Togo. Made of recycled metal using traditional forging techniques, these bells are imported to the Africa Heartwood ...
This kenkeni is part of the Classic line of imported drums from Africa Heartwood Project, suited for drumming in classrooms, rehearsals, and drum circles. The
kenkeni (smallest)...
The sangban (middle size) in the set of three is the dominant tonal note in the ensemble, and is typically associated with the movement of the torso of the dancers, and is considered the ...
Our solid Mango wood dunun mallet from Ivory Coast is specially designed for bringing out the deep bass of the dundumba dunun drum with greater volume and power. The extra thick girth and...
This dundumba is part of the Classic line of imported drums from Africa Heartwood Project, great for students, schools, and drum circles. The doundoumba (largest) of the set of three is t...
These professional-grade kenken (KEN-ken) dunun bells are hand crafted by blacksmiths in Mali supported by AfricaHeartwoodProject.org. Made of higher grade metal using traditional forgin...
These professional-grade kenken (KEN-ken) dunun bells are hand crafted by blacksmiths in Mali supported by AfricaHeartwoodProject.org. Made of recycled metal using traditional forging te...
This tapered, extra long dunun mallet from Africa Heartwood Project is suited for all sizes of dunun or other thicker skin drums. It can be played from either end, depending on the thickn...
This solid Iroko wood dunun stick from Ivory Coast is suited for all sizes of dunun or other thicker skinned drums. It can be played from either end. Covered by our YOUR PRICE: $12.95
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