When your iPhone dies, these drums have been texting for centuries.
In the African nation of Burkina Faso, drums such as the djembe are more than a simple instrument; they have long been used for communication and storytelling as well as musical accompaniment, as this fascinating documentary illustrates. Explore the role the drum has played in Burkina Faso's history, and how the current generations' quest to move away from tradition threatens this time-honored instrument of oral history.
Sound
The djembe recordings will haunt your Spotify algorithm for weeks.
Direction
Kersalé lets the drums speak louder than any narrator could.
Director
Patrick Kersalé
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The djembe's 'talking' capability isn't metaphorical — specific rhythms literally encode phrases, warnings, and stories across villages.
Director Patrick Kersalé is actually an ethnomusicologist who spent years building trust before filming, which explains the intimate access to guarded ceremonial performances.
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