Dunun sampleset

What is dunun ?

The Djun-Djun or Djum-Djum (pronounced dununs or dundun) is a cylindrical, double-headed bass drum carved from solid Dembu log and using cow skin membranes. The Djun-djun is found throughout West Africa. Djun-djun can be worn over the shoulder and played with two sticks: one for the bass tones and the other for a bell tied to the side of the drum, or rested on a stand and played on its side. Bells are matched to each of the three drums. In a traditional ensemble using all three drums, it is most common for a different individual to play each drum and its accopmpanying bell. Also seen are sets of two or three different sized djun djun drums, played while sitting with drums resting upright on the floor, played by one musician.

In the Malinke style of music, incorporating djun-djuns, usually the djembe is used to call the breaks to the other drummers.

The Djun-djun has roots in the Mali Empire. This region of West Africa includes all, or portions of, the present day countries of Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire.

The three djun-djuns, from smallest to largest are named: Kenkeni, Sangban, and Dunumba. The entire set of 3 together is called "dunun."

The spelling "djun-djun" is a Francophone version of "jun-jun." (See Eric Charry, "A Guide to the Jembe," [1] originally published in Percussive Notes 34, no. 2 (April 1996).

In the region of Guinea and Mali where the drum originated, the word is "Dundun."

The three complete multi samplesets are available in the member section.

Kara