Introducing our Carnival Slap Djembe range

Carnival is the newest generation of Percussion Plus’ iconic Slap Djembe series! Manufactured in the world’s premier Djembe factory in Bali, these fantastic educational drums are more durable, resonant and vibrant than ever. Read more…

Introducing our Carnival Slap Djembe range

Carnival is the newest generation of Percussion Plus’ iconic Slap Djembe series! Manufactured in the world’s premier Djembe factory in Bali, these fantastic educational drums are more durable, resonant and vibrant than ever. With their instructive drumheads and robust construction, Slap Djembes make a brilliant addition to any music education setting.

Designed to stand the test of time in classroom environments, the strong yet lightweight design amplifies their accessibility without compromising on sound; the booming bass acts as a foundation, with crisp slaps and deep resonant tones providing the exciting variety that makes these djembes ideal for group music lessons.

Supplied either rope tuned, pre-tuned or mechanically tuned and in a range of sizes and packs, the Carnival Slap Djembe range encourages you to form your own djembe circle and get playing. They are fantastic tools for SEND learning, Whole Class Ensemble Teaching (WCET) and can even be used as part of CPD programmes for teachers looking to develop their musical options and skills!

What are djembes?

Djembes have been around for roughly 800 years, with their origins in the Mandinke tribe who resided in what is now Mali, West Africa. Still used to this day in a number of traditional ceremonies such as weddings, funerals and baptisms, the djembe’s enduring presence underscores its cultural significance. Traditionally played in ensembles, the djembe has become a staple in music education, finding its way into schools, universities, music hubs and community centres.

The rise of the djembe in education

With all this in mind, it’s no surprise that djembes for education have become increasingly popular in recent years. Slap Djembes are not only sturdy and attractive but also provide great teaching aids. The screen-printed, instructional drumheads make classroom music teaching that bit easier by showing students exactly where they need to hit the drum to make different sounds. This helps to speed up the learning process, allowing more time to focus on rhythm, ensemble, dynamics and other musical elements.

The synthetic head is precisely stretched for optimal resonance, ensuring it withstands even the most enthusiastic players! This material also provides all-weather protection against excessive stretching, humidity and changes in temperature, preventing tuning problems and excessive drying. These qualities make the Carnival Slap Djembes the pinnacle in educational and sustainable drumming, supporting hundreds of lessons over many years to come.

Goes perfectly with Andy Gleadhill’s Slap Djembe book

Whether you are a percussion expert or have never taught music before, Andy Gleadhill's Slap Djembe is the best introduction to playing and teaching the djembe. Utilising an innovative, accessible notation this award-winning resource features 12 rhythms from around the globe with insightful performance notes and 10 weekly lessons that can be applied to any tune in the book. That's 120 lessons, planned for you!

What’s more, a raft of additional content is provided alongside the book, including video guides, audio samples and interactive whiteboard-compatible resources, designed specifically for the classroom. Click HERE to find out more.

Pre-tuned vs Rope tuned

Pre-tuned djembes

Pre-tuned djembes come with a fixed tension on the drumhead that is set during the manufacturing process. These djembes are usually tuned to a specific pitch and do not require further tuning by the player.

• Convenient and ready to play right out of the box, making them ideal drums for schools
• No need for manual tuning, making it even more suitable for beginners.
• Consistent sound and pitch across multiple drums of the same model.

Available in 6", 7", 8" and 10" head diameters.

Rope tuned djembes

Rope tuned djembes are characterised by a system of vertical ropes that run along the drum’s body and are attached to the drumhead.

• Allows for precise tuning and fine adjustments to achieve desired tones.
• Offers a traditional and authentic tuning method used in African cultures.
• Provides flexibility in tuning for different playing styles and preferences.

Available in 7", 8" 10", and 12" head diameters.

Mechanically tuned djembes

Mechanically tuned djembes combine the practicality of the pre-tuned drums with the musical refinement of the rope tuning.

• Allows for easy, reliable tuning adjustments.
• Comes with a key for each drum.
• Provides flexibility in tuning for different playing styles and preferences.

Available in 8" 10", and 12" head diameters.