How Do You Spell JEMBE?

Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈɛmb] (IPA)

The word jembe is a musical instrument that originates from West Africa. Its spelling reflects the pronunciation of the word. The IPA phonetic transcription of jembe is /dʒɛmbeɪ/. The letter "j" represents the voiced palato-alveolar affricate sound /dʒ/, while "e" represents the vowel sound /ɛ/. The final letter "e" represents the long vowel sound /eɪ/. The spelling of jembe may differ depending on the dialect and region, but the pronunciation remains the same.

JEMBE Meaning and Definition

1. Jembe is a Swahili word commonly used in East Africa, especially in countries like Kenya and Tanzania. It refers to a traditional African musical instrument, also known as a djembe. The jembe is a type of drum that originated in West Africa and is played using bare hands. It has a rounded shape with a wide base and a narrow top, usually made from a single piece of hardwood, often from a species like the dimb or lenke tree.

   The jembe drum is characterized by its distinct deep, resonant sound that can be heard over long distances. It produces a range of tones, from bass to high-pitched, by varying the striking technique on different parts of the drumhead. It is typically played while seated, with the drum placed between the legs.

   Traditionally, jembes were used for various cultural and ritual purposes, such as storytelling, dance ceremonies, and communication between tribes. Over time, they have gained popularity beyond Africa, becoming an integral part of world music and used in various genres, including jazz, fusion, and contemporary pop.

   Today, jembes are widely used in music schools, performances, and recreational settings, both in Africa and around the globe. They have become a symbol of African rhythm and have contributed to the global appreciation of African music and culture.

Common Misspellings for JEMBE

• jember
• hembe
• nembe
• membe
• kembe
• iembe
• uembe
• jdmbe
• jrmbe
• j4mbe
• j3mbe
• jenbe
• jekbe
• jejbe
• jemve
• jemne
• jemhe
• jemge
• jembw
• jembs

Etymology of JEMBE

The word "jembe" originates from the Malinke language, also known as Mandinka, which is spoken in West Africa, particularly in Mali, Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Senegal. In the Malinke language, "jembe" means "to gather" or "to assemble".

The jembe, also spelled djembe, is a versatile and popular West African drum, known for its goblet-shaped body and the vibrant sounds it produces. It is often associated with community gatherings, celebrations, and spiritual ceremonies. Over time, the term "jembe" has become internationally recognized and is frequently used to refer to this specific type of drum.

Plural form of JEMBE is JEMBES