Which instrument is typically associated with Western African music?

The djembe is indeed the instrument most closely associated with West African music. This drum has its origins in the Mandinka people of Mali and is widely used across various West African cultures. The djembe is a goblet-shaped drum that is played with bare hands, allowing for a wide range of tones and tones that are integral to the rhythmic patterns found in traditional and contemporary West African music. Its versatility and expressive sound make it a central component of celebrations, rituals, and community gatherings in the region.

Other instruments, while significant in their respective musical traditions, do not share the same connection to West African music. The didgeridoo, for instance, is indigenous to Australian Aboriginal culture, and steelpan drums originate from Trinidad and Tobago. The darabukka, a goblet drum that is more commonly associated with Middle Eastern and North African music, also differs from the djembe's cultural roots. Thus, the djembe stands out as the definitive choice in the context of Western African music.