Djun-Djuns

Djun-Djuns are large two-headed drums of West African origin. They are the largest of a battery of three drums, the Kinkini, and Songba being the two smaller ones. The Djun Djun is generally the bottom or pulse drum in an African ensemble. It has a deep tone and is usually accompanied by an attached bell to weave intricate rhythmic patterns. Djun-Djuns, along with Djembes and Ashikos, are the drums of the West African Drumming ensemble. Typically, the Ashikos do the rhythm work, the Djembes say what's happening with their high, rapid-fire solo work and the Djun-Djuns keep the pulse. Often two or even three Djun Djuns are played together in a horizontal format, stacked one on top of the other.

Djun-djuns are worn over the shoulder and played with two sticks, one for the thunderous bass and the other for a bell tied to the side of the drum. Often the player also has a whistle with which to blow calls and breaks to dancers. The Djun Djun can be constructed of from either wood, (glued slats or a hollow log) or a metal drum.