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All of our Contemporary African Drums come from the Novica Collection. Novica, in association with National Geographic unites you with more than 2,000 extraordinary master artists from around the world. Read about their lives, explore their fascinating cultures, and select from more than 20,000 handcrafted works of art.

Wood djembe drum, ‘Botanical Beat’The fascinating beats of the djembe drum call out in celebration in the name of Akwapim village. Nestled in Aburi, this village is famous for its botanical gardens, which inspire Ernestina Oppong Asante. Hewn from a block of tweneboa wood, this traditional percussion instrument features carved scenes of everyday activities in Akwapim. The goatskin head is affixed by iron rings wrapped in cotton, and a macram� cord can be slung over the shoulder. The djembe originated in Benin, where it is used during voodoo rites, and has been introduced into neighboring countries.

Wood mini-djembe drum, ‘Gallant Authority’Abstract motifs unfold on the base of a mini-djembe drum by Ernestina Oppong Asante. Hewn from a block of tweneboa wood, this traditional percussion instrument is finished with mansion polish. The goatskin head is affixed by iron rings wrapped in cotton, and a macram� cord can be slung over the shoulder. The djembe originated in Benin, where it is used during voodoo rites, and has been introduced into neighboring countries such as Ghana. Asante names this original piece Akofena. A Ghanaian Adinkra symbol, Akofena means “authority and gallantry.” Adinkra symbols communicate popular wisdom.

Wood mini-djembe drum, ‘Revival’The Sankofa Anoma symbol graces this beautiful mini-djembe by Ernestina Oppong Asante. An Adinkra symbol communicating popular wisdom, it directs Africans to the roots and strengths of their beginnings and past. The bird turns its head and neck an almost impossible 180 degrees, because no strain is too hard for gathering bygone experiences and learning from them. The symbol is drawn from a proverb meaning “Go back to fetch it,” inferring learning from the past in order to build for the future; it translates as “positive reversion and revival.” Carved from tweneboa wood, this beautiful percussion instrument is finished with mansion polish. Glass beads and brass plates further embellish it. The goatskin drumhead is affixed by iron rings wrapped in cotton, and a macram� cord can be slung over the shoulder. The djembe originated in Benin, where it is used during voodoo rites. It has been introduced into neighboring countries and is indispensable in contemporary reggae.

Wood djembe drum, ‘Infinite Love’The djembe awaits a willing musician. Electric currents of bold West African rhythms race around the smooth contours of tweneboa wood. Samuel Coleman crafts a handsome drum that he names Odo Ntoaso, “infinite love” in the Akan language. He sculpts the drum from tweneboa wood, finished with mansion polish. The goatskin head is affixed by iron rings wrapped in cotton, and a macram� nylon cord can be slung over the shoulder.

Wood djembe drum, ‘Infinite Love’The djembe awaits a willing musician. Electric currents of bold West African rhythms race around the smooth contours of tweneboa wood. Samuel Coleman crafts a handsome drum that he names Odo Ntoaso, “infinite love” in the Akan language. He sculpts the drum from tweneboa wood, finished with mansion polish. The goatskin head is affixed by iron rings wrapped in cotton, and a macram� nylon cord can be slung over the shoulder.

Djembe drum, ‘Gye Nyame and Nyame Biribi Wo Sor’Religious energy flourishes with subtle elegance on this djembe drum by Ernestina Oppong. Gye nyame, a symbol meaning “I am afraid of none but God,” rotates like a sleek scythe, while the Nyame biribi wo sor design suggests that good things come from above. Djembes originated in the country of Benin, but the instrument has since been incorporated into the music of neighboring lands. Oppong combines a passion for carving with music, resulting in traditional instruments with contemporary flair. Tweneboa, a kind of hardwood, provides the body for the drum; its golden tone highlighting the engaging designs. Oppong applies shoe and mansion polish to enhance the wood’s smooth, radiant appearance. Iron rod rings are attached to the mouth of the drum and wrapped with cotton to prevent rusting. Through these rings nylon ropes are double-woven, securely fastening the goatskin to the wood. To play, sit on the edge of a chair with ankles crossed, the top of the drum fitting neatly between the knees as the base of the drum rests behind the heels. This way the drum is angled away from the player. Sitting up straight with hands resting on the drum’s playing surface, the wrists should become flat and this is the position to create the standard djembe sounds. Djembes produce three basic sounds: bass, tone, and slap. BASS: With the hand flat and fingers together, place the hand at the dimension of two fists above the center of the playing surface. Allow the hand to strike and bounce back to the original position above the center. TONE: This is the high-pitched sound produced by striking the top surface nearest the edge with firmly placed fingers. SLAP: Strike the playing surface’s edge first with the heel of the hand, and then allow the fingers to naturally bounce down towards the drum’s center.

Bougarabou drum, ‘Collar’The name of this drum, Bougarabou, is onomatopoeia for the captivating rhythm it produces. Artisans of Bomukasa Limited present the instrument, its resonant body crafted from the natural luxury of tweneboa wood. A simple collar on the base provides visual contrast, as well as enhancing the overall tone. The drum features a goatskin-striking surface, held firm by iron rod rings wrapped in cotton cloth to prevent rusting. Nylon ropes securely fasten the rings, the sturdy design enhancing the overall visual allure. Lends a rustic musical accent to any setting. Finished in mansion polish.

Wood bougarabou drum, ‘Movements’Scorched black tracery evokes the intricate allure of this bougarabou drum by Samuel Coleman, subtly enhanced by smooth bands of deep blue, red, and green. Bougarabou is onomatopoeia for the sound produced by the instrument. Carved from tweneboa wood, the artisan uses dried goatskin for the drumhead, affixing it to the body using iron rod rings wrapped in cotton to prevent rusting. A network of nylon rope further stretches the striking surface. Finished in oil paints and Mansion polish, the drum features a sturdy and colorful kente cloth handle. A resonant addition to any home d�cor, this instrument is infused with professional quality.

Wood kpanlogo drum, ‘Asafo’Handsomely carved with textured rings, masks and Ashanti symbols of royalty, this splendid kpanlogo drum by Samuel Coleman is a regal addition to the serious collection. Hewn from a solid block of richly-veined tweneboa wood, the motifs are carved by hand and permitted to dry naturally, before the drum is finished and protected with brown and mansion polish. Its taught calfskin drum head is affixed to wooden pegs with stout ropes. The kpanlogo drum is a revered element in the music and culture of the Ga tribe in Ghana’s Greater Accra region, marking the rhythm for the traditional kpanlogo dance. However, its characteristic deep, loud sound makes it a popular instrument throughout West Africa. Asafo is the name given to a royal group that takes care of traditional cultural activities.