Do You Speak Djembe? | Doug Manuel | TEDxHollywood

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
Doug Manuel has been building bridges between Africa and the occident for more than 20 years. His latest project ‘Do You Speak Djembe?’ brings together a band of world-class African and international musicians in an innovative fusion of music and rhythm from different cultures. The public also perform, each audience member with a Djembe drum - these are the ingredients of a unique musical that has performed more than 100 concerts across Europe since 2014.
A part of the proceeds of the show go to ‘Lighting Up Lives’ Doug’s initiative that brings solar energy to Abéné, a rural village in Senegal, West Africa. This unique interactive musical will debut their first show in the United States at TEDxHollywood.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@dougmanuel3527]

Thanks for all your positive vibes people. It's an honour to bring the djembe to the world!

[@9brainechoes9]

bravo!!!!!!

[@MilitantExtremist]

Honor?

[@Nontouchable]

Hats off sir, thanks!

[@karengarson6990]

Doug Manuel In Canada it is spelled HONOUR. 😊

[@Ma.Mama.is.a.StreetDogg]

Doug Manuel Thank you all for teaching us to feel and connect with the rhythm once again..... God Bless

[@nomadsolos]

I stumbled onto this tonight and found it very refreshing . I think it sends a wonderful message in todays world of pain that we currently live. I am 70 today - (60 of those years I have been a drummer, both as a Professional, and as a lover of the instrument, and of music) The message in this video should be shared! Thank you Doug Manuel .

[@conan6908]

HEY TEDx Talks!! I grew up half my life in Cote d' Ivoire in West Africa and man, those villages with their celebrations (really) throw down and get into it with their 'Fetes'(festivals) and their Tom Toms which are the Cote D' Ivoire equivalent of the Djembe drums. They, like the Djembe drums, have been used for centuries and like your African stage drummers here, are very skilled drummers and tap it out for at least an hour, non-stop, no exaggeration!! It's awesome that you guys are bringing an appreciation for African drum and music talent to the U.S. as sometimes, I think we here in the states tend to get a little jaded and egocentric when in actuality, Africa is where much of the worlds music originated. Keep it up and kudos to you guys!! Enjoyed it!!

[@nanayeboaa6814]

Mr Doug Manuel you did a better job showcasing and connecting. My Drums are my heart beat , the Rhythm of my life. I am an African woman, A Ghanaian woman and when i walk , i walk like my ancestral drums are playing. Your Balophonist is real good. Ase

[@gretchenfrancis5678]

please girl he is just making money from this. Why didn't he get down our people to enlighten the world about the dance and act?

[@lotuscabrio2937]

Arabian here

[@JustDrum-DontThink]

Gretchen, what do you mean exactly? I want to hear and understand correctly your feelings about this please?

[@fatimasalah6763]

I wonder how they managed to bring djembe for all participants 😂

[@carolrhoden9204]

the drumming tutorial and performance is so appropriate for this time that we are living in now

[@karlijn9669]

INSANE! I was literally crying behind my laptop because I loved it so much!

[@markdemell8056]

Not me ,,, ok me too.

[@nicolasgoldring7128]

10:49: Oh my god, this guy is amazing.

[@muniama1]

Wow, I have a drum and I played along with you all Ted. You and your band are so amazing, and you are right, it is a good thing to be a part of...a community. I really enjoyed being with you all for that moment Ted. May God Bless you always.

[@m.taylor6808]

Thank you for blasting such positivity, Doug!! Really looking forward to meeting you! Thank you for being a facilitator, who not only flows with words, but can actually play djembe for real!! Naaaamu!! By the by, Brazil with Bill and Attiba was AWESOME!!!

[@paapakobe]

I was with an international organization doing this type of work. It is a great way to introduce people to African drums and team build/ community build etc! I would have liked to see the two great musicians from Guinee introduced properly, and to know who the others are too. Obviously time is short but a little more about djembe in particular as it is not just a general "African" drum and we didn't get to hear any conversation through them as the title suggests. I was really looking forward to that. Still great work incorporating the rhythms with pop tunes. cheers

[@scorppio500webmaster3]

This may not be the message he was trying to send, but I find it amazing that someone can take control of a whole room so easily, when I can't really control anything, lol.

[@Susanc06]

Scorppio500 Webmaster Don’t Be so hard on yourself 😃

[@DadaPoopoo]

They also payed to be controlled.

[@diqweezle9751]

TED crowd is an easy audience, usually. It's a room full of people who sat at the front of their class growing up. They are eager to learn something new.

[@katherinawarren1523]

My only question is When are you all coming to South Florida? 😊 There’s a huge drum community here and we’d love to have you. ♥️

[@sonjagartnerart]

blows my mind.... I was dreaming of something like that (mine was "Drummers of the World Unite") a few years ago, and there it is! Absolutely fantastic!

[@rockwarrior5287]

This is the first thing I'm listening to this sat am I think It could be better than coffee

[@jackmorton1125]

I play with my Djembe family regularly but we have taken a short break to do other things. It was so great to sit in front of my laptop and join all you lovely people although my neighbours may not be impressed :) Love and ight

[@FrameDrumAcademyStudentChannel]

AWESOME! Thank you for this I have a drum- oriented TEDX talk in the works.. this inspired me so much!! Great work

[@gabihupfeld6845]

Vielen Dank, habe hier mitgetrommelt und hatte viel Spaß dabei.

[@AmiraAamoumour]

Absolutely wonderful, I love African beats, thank you so much!

[@calebdrew5684]

Anything we can do to get people drumming! I've been drumming for years but see often the struggle for new drummers to find timing and the safe atmosphere to experiment with their drums and feel a sense of the community of beat! Glad there are patient teachers to facilitate a fun learning atmosphere for beginners! Me, I just want to get out there and play with a couple drums and listen to how my instrument resonates with the circle and find a place for my own hands in the music being made. I'm very happy to see the continuation of the universal rhythm! :D

[@jeffthomas905]

Beautiful work! I took away a new way to share rhythm with those in my circle as the heartbeat of our lives.

[@SavannahE1972]

Beautiful. The message of connection and the music resonates with me. Thank you!

[@corydoesstuff6411]

Played along with my djembe, very cool

[@wildstray92]

I was inspired and engaged the whole time. I love this, and want to attend a TEDx even soon.

[@tinarude2485]

I love all of this. Bravo!!!!!!😍

[@blochjerry]

That's my friend and teacher on the right, Dramane Kone, a wonderful drummer and human being.

[@RoisinCorrigan]

Beautiful. This made me smile the whole way through.

[@ompandey5356]

I attended one of your djembe live in Frankfurt in 2017. It was a lifetime experience.

[@johnsamuel2886]

Excellent performance and heart touch presentation keep going ......

[@sarahsomebody8684]

Awesome, I'm just learning to play the Djembe x

[@LivegoodWilliam]

I used to play when i was younger, this as made me want to start playing again

[@kennethnelson771]

Wow ! This is something else look at who's in the audience sitting in front of the drums. Hey it's where all started from the Mother Land this part of History and some people want Man kind History from the beginning of Time . I'm glad some people are come around

[@JonathanFosa]

Next time before you take your phone. Before you engage in anything that's technology based. I invite you to think. Think about whether is truly helping you to connect. Connect with yourself and which each other. Think about whether it's truly serving you. Think about whether it's truly serving other people. Think about whether it's really enhancing you and enhancing your life. And think about whether it's really allowing you to resonate. A-M-E-N !!

[@VCHs20]

Fantastic experiential show, hands down bravo, Doug!

[@hinduamerican2545]

THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL!

[@GuyWiDrum]

What a talented drum facilitator! I'm jealous! :D

[@Lepice99]

Excellent work. Wonderful. Thank you very much.

[@collinsbuko]

What a singer! What a lady :D!

[@khowhaichia9292]

Very interesting .l was just adjusting to play the djembe and feel very connected . Thank you .

[@owendurkin6292]

Beautifully done!!

[@cyrus3430]

To those that don’t see how this may be offensive.. If an African man hosted a Ted talk on how to play the bag pipes and played a random tune then invited a European to sing(an African version of an Scottish song) then call the song Scottish..do you get where I’m going with this.. PS: This presentation would be trashed in any African university And yes..we do have universities in Africa

[@cyrus3430]

Please research on a culture before you rob it

[@fredketcher9901]

That was amazing. Thank you

[@sofie322]

Love it, I just got a drum.

[@djembethompson1899]

Amazing!!!!👏👏👏👏👏😎

[@hrnoble9512]

You must bring this to the West End of London!!! It would be loved!!

[@SineadHarteRhythmNation]

wonderful talk, love it

[@Noiseofdrums]

that's it! I'm buying a djembe :))

[@rockwarrior5287]

One of my faves of all times

[@gracefulmushroom4284]

this so powerful.

[@Arklowdrummers]

Lovely introduction, lovely delivery, brilliant techniques on the djemb’es, very educational uplifting and inspiring. Although the kit player is a brilliant drummer, i dont think the kit fits with opening set. I have only been doing this for 28 years now all over the world myself. But thats not a criticism but an honest observation.

[@Vse-o-cire]

Классное шоу !!! Спасибо !

[@babahaminel8041]

One thing a CULTURAL BANDIT cannot steal is SPIRIT. No matter the art form, be it music ie. Reggae, Hip Hop, JAZZ, R&B, Rap, or dance i.e. all African, Capoeira, Tribal, Martial Arts, other people can only hilariously IMITATE, but never duplicate, because something is always "missing". That something is SOUL. Can't buy or steal that.

[@krzystofsibilla3516]

We all have souls

[@MegaSmk]

Jippieyeahhh, I did it! I played the djembe on my leg - all night :-) great stuff!!

[@babassfil]

super Doug ! je vais utiliser cette video avec mes élèves ! merci !

[@decruzyserao6994]

WOW love this!!!!!!!

[@trumpetplayer6397]

Wow...I almost learned more from the comments below, than from the Djembe experience itself!

[@DrumOnCirculos]

I met Doug in Paris , France after one of his performance in year 2014 he was very humble and polite!!! Keep on the great job Doug!!! -Sam (Mty Mexico)

[@cephasabantv5232]

DrumOn ̈Rhythm Events ̈ please every workshop I day for you you can Contact me on my in mail [e-mail]

[@gretchenfrancis5678]

aren't they all?

[@laurencechristen9225]

Je trouve vraiment dommage d'utiliser ce support pour exprimer des rancoeurs personnelles, et ainsi de nous prendre en otage. La réalité est qu'il suffit d'assister à un seul des shows de Doug pour goûter à l'extraordinaire énergie positive qui s'en dégage... J'invite tout le monde à s'offrir cette merveilleuse aventure. On en ressort totalement boosté :-)

[@krzystofsibilla3516]

All about The earth-drum and discussion circle.Come this comming Friday,18 of February-6-8 pm.1214n 200rd,Baldwin city,KS.

[@M0NN1]

Such a great vibe getting all the people to drum together! Whats the singers name? She is amazing!

[@poppywainwright4625]

LOVE THIS

[@ramanandkowtakowta1431]

Well done, Doug. You connected the Traditional and Modern v 16:12 ery well by involving the audience as participants . INDIA ( BHARAT) is also rich in such connection through Music and Rhythm.

[@loredanasavelli2342]

Awesome!!!

[@aldocampana1077]

AWESOME!!!

[@mycatalanhomestead]

Great video.

[@mrym6170]

they are excellent!! ^^

[@agnieszkagac-zuppinger6497]

J'ai eu l’occasion d'y participer. Une expérience inoubliable! Bravo !!!

[@juanpinales6162]

good morning

[@samueleduardominond8600]

you convineceme,,,,,great!!!!

[@PaulHere1953]

You should come to the O2 London. Would love to see you there. London would love you.

[@novamentecinthya5448]

sorprendente , i love yembeeeeeeee

[@drissyamdah2067]

That’s amazing 😍

[@amygriffin7302]

Dramane Kone on the right. He's a very talented djembe fola. Props to him! Who si the singer and the percussionist palying the balafon? They are excellent as well!

[@thiruamma0094]

excellent marvellous

[@ashtonkthcer7852]

AMAZING

[@ivankala1198]

beautifull music

[@MXII-wm2yk]

Just I really like organic music I like cultural music that really makes sense and I really makes it the impression that you are feeling this and which one time I'll be able to join one of these groups and be with you guys and see what we can do. Can't promise you I'm good at it just really hoping one day to join a group and be able to do something.

[@zeropointdesigns3399]

only ted talk i had the pleasure of viewing

[@lookingformirrors]

I Play Djembe in Street Plays in " India " :) Really Liked the video :)

[@minimaliq-studio8477]

Super!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@rockwarrior5287]

Best crowd participation ever

[@Samuel-H]

LAdy at 6:09 is just having the best time...

[@maharajshrinathji6066]

Thanks 😊🙏💐 I am sailing djamby bag cover.and all types Also 🏖️🎸 Second song nice 👌

[@thalieknk9181]

Good vibe hey !!! Hello from Paris, i hope to drum one time with you

[@mcmjr405]

Thalie Knk same from Dallas, Texas!

[@tianxie8341]

Nice jobs,thanks share

[@rockwarrior5287]

Awesome

[@MXII-wm2yk]

I love the African sound, and my three drums may be one day I can do the same with three,

[@truthdigger]

When are you going to have another session like this??

[@KhongAudioLab]

Good morning, where did they get so many djembe's for the audience

[@JacquelineFreemanJacobs]

Heart Beat Music is also used during Rastafarian Spiritual Gatherings.🇬🇭

[@CarolinaKeeper1]

Uplifting and inspiring work!!!

[@gretchenfrancis5678]

ask him where it's from before the culture gets stolen again!!!

[@TheContinuumProject]

They all look as if to be having so much fun at TEDx... counting to four under the Doug Manuel brand of djembe thinking themselves to be learning something about "African" culture. And Mr. Manuel so proud to bring "African" music and culture to the "world"... to prove that it DOES have value!... as though "African" is a culture... as though the thousands of cultures and the millions of people on the continent of Africa are not already in and of the world, needing no introduction... And then to use the djembe to promote the ever so important message to put down our technology, as though putting it down and hitting the drum after every 4 count would lead to the transcendental spiritual experiences these West African cultures and instruments were created and cultivated to evoke... and to remind us in his responses on this feed of all of the people of African descent that bless and encourage, and respect and love him with positive vibes...how wonderful to be loved by Africans! "There are Africans," some of his African friends, no doubt, "who populate my stage! That's the ultimate stamp of approval," says the pimp of his Africans. "They like it and appreciate the opportunity I"M giving them!" "And all the work I'm doing bringing light to their world! I'm saving them!!" "Look at me center stage! I can play drums as good as an African! Better even!! I could teach you a think or two!" ... and then, adding insult to injury, to mix Aretha and Miriam up in all that... SMH. ... let the healing ceremonies commence.

[@sweettalkbutterfly8888]

Why were the original Africans not in the front teaching, the rhythms of Africa can not be misappropriated in such a way. The Africans should have been able to give the rhythms the correct way.

[@udomatthiasdrums5322]

like it!!

[@RivLoveshine]

Tvis just shows me how horrible I am on the djembe. I've gotta practice!

[@ajwilliams5551]

Let the indigenous folks lead the TED Talk. I understand this style of percussion may have resonated with him as a white man, but the ancestral ties to the soul from the player is something that cannot be replicated/imitated and in my opinion is felt different.

[@allenparsens5279]

Alijah Yashar I agree.

[@KarmaCame]

Agreed it never feels the same to me even tho they my have good intentions

[@notinyourcloset]

Perhaps a tad bit of cultural appropriation?

[@abrahamvelilla9539]

Does anyone know the type of microphones that was attached to the Djembes that the two African masters were using?

[@jackhirsch6675]

I love this Ted Talk. Perhaps for future talks, have audience members remove rings as to not damage the goatskin or injure their fingers. Also, right posture, how to hold the djembe. As the video shows members of the audience clearly holding the drum the wrong direction. With the drum head facing towards rather then away from them. Thank you for spreading the power of the djembe to the world. As a player of djembe for near 20 years, it has definitely enriched my life! Peace & blessings, and in rhythm!

[@michelathika9375]

This is amazing

[@hodonismaciil6079]

Michela Thika Xalimo

[@hodonismaciil6079]

r

[@hodonismaciil6079]

Michela Thika 🏩🗽🗽. 🏣

[@SgtM0le]

Where can I get some of those awesome shoulder straps, or how do I make my own?

[@gotyourhouse]

❤ Music