Jebebara Unity Drum

If you've seen this troupe of drummers in action before, you won't want to miss their performance at Radio Beirut - they create a infectious drum rhythm that drives your feet on the dancefloor. 

Jebebara is a group based in Beirut, Lebanon dedicated to people who want a place to learn and perform West-African rhythms together. They play music from the Mandeng region (Senegal, Guinea, Mali).

The expression, 'Jebebara', comes from the Bamana people of Mali and translates roughly to "unity drum" or "drum of ceremony". The meaning or significance of this expression as explained by one of my first teachers (Master Abdoulaye Diakite) is that the drum is what brings people together but it is there for everyone. Without the community the music does not happen - without the cause for celebration and the dancers the rhythm is meaningless. It was in this way that he expressed that the root of the djembe was a celebration of unity. Not ego, competition or division. 

If you can't make the show listen to the live stream on www.radiobeirut.net/listenlive