ABOUT ME + BASIC INFO
African drumming is more than just music—it is a form of communication, social connection, ritual, and entertainment. Its roots lie deep in the traditional cultures of West Africa, from where it has spread throughout the world.
About Me
Tomáš Oplatek
A PROGRAMMER WITH A PASSION FOR MUSIC
I am a musician and programmer with over 20 years of experience in African drumming. I lead courses, workshops, and teambuilding events that use rhythm to foster creativity, collaboration, and a shared experience.
I started drumming in 2005. Since then, I have learned from masters like Thomas Guei (Ivory Coast) and Bassidi Koné (Mali), played in the band TiDiTaDe, and currently play with Barati Squad. Besides the djembe, I also play the balafon and krin—and I am currently opening balafon courses to the public. I regularly accompany the African dance classes of Simona Prokůpková and Tereza Pospěchová.
Music has been my lifelong language—from African rhythms to the piano, which has been with me since childhood.
In IT, I work as a game and web programmer, which allows me to combine technical precision with creativity and lead projects with a broader impact.
INSTRUMENTS AND TECHNIQUE
African drumming is based on the interconnection of hand drums and bass drums, often supplemented by other instruments. The combination of these tones creates rhythms—often multi-layered, polyrhythmic, and playful.
Basic strokes and tones:
- Bass – a deep tone in the center of the drum; the palm and flat fingers strike the middle.
- Tone – a clear tone on the edge of the drum; fingers are held together and strike at the same time.
- Slap – a sharp, cracking tone with emphasis; harder to play, but very pervasive.
1.
Djembe
- The most famous and widespread African drum.
- Hand-carved from a single piece of wood, covered with goat skin.
- It is played with the hands.
- It has three basic tones: bass, tone, and slap.
2.
Bass Drums
Deeper drums played with sticks, usually in three sizes. Traditionally accompanied by a metal bell that is played at the same time.
Dundunba (dundun) – the largest and deepest
Sangban – the mid-tone and rhythmic core
Kenkeni – the smallest, usually keeps the tempo
3.
Others:
- Balafon – an African xylophone with gourds (calabashes) as resonators
- Krin – a hollow log drum played with sticks
- Shekere / kashaka – rattles and percussive accessories
Where does African drumming come from?
Základní údery a tóny
- The most significant traditions of African drumming originate from West Africa—primarily from countries such as Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Ivory Coast. In these countries, rhythms and music are deeply rooted in daily life—they are part of rituals, celebrations, the agricultural cycle, rites of passage, or family events (weddings, births, deaths).
- The tradition was preserved and passed down by griots—African storytellers, musicians, and historians.
The History and Significance of Drumming
- Traditional form of communication – in some regions, drums were used to “talk” (e.g., the “talking drum”).
- Part of rituals and ceremonies – weddings, births, coming-of-age ceremonies, spiritual events.
- A social activity – drumming is communal, focused on a shared experience.
Some famous masters of African drumming: Mamady Keïta (Guinea), Famoudou Konaté (Guinea), Thomas Guei (Ivory Coast), Bassidi Koné (Mali).