The Art and Tradition of African Drum Repair
African drum repair is more than a technical process — it is a cultural tradition passed down through generations of master drummers and craftsmen. Drawing on traditional West African knowledge, I repair drums using time-honoured methods that respect both the instrument and its cultural heritage...
My specialty is the repair of Djembe and Bougarabou drums, instruments that have been played for thousands of years in West African music and dance. I am proud to carry this knowledge forward and to pass it on to the next generation, ensuring that every drum is restored with care, integrity, and respect for tradition.
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A Traditional, Skilled Repair Process
Repairing a Djembe or Bougarabou is not a simple task. It requires experience, patience, and a deep understanding of how sound, tension, materials, and rhythm work together. Every step is carefully executed to achieve the correct tone, balance, and resonance...
The Repair Process Includes:
Selection of natural skins, such as goat or yearling cow hide
- 1.Careful stretching of the skin using approximately 25 metres of rope (4.5 mm diameter)
- 2. Allowing the skin to rest on the drum for several days, with natural oils applied to maintain softness and flexibility
- 3. Precise tying and tightening of the drum to achieve proper tension
- 4. Continuous testing and tuning to ensure the correct sound, rhythm, and response.
Each drum is tested repeatedly until it reaches its full tonal potential.
Quality, Care & Warranty
Every repaired drum is returned in perfect playing condition, ready for performance, teaching, or personal practice. I stand behind my workmanship and provide a 5-month warranty on all drum repairs, giving you confidence in the quality and durability of the work..
Through traditional knowledge, skilled craftsmanship, and respect for African musical heritage, each drum is given a new voice — ready to be played, danced, and shared once again..
