about irie tones music

Irie Tones Music began importing drums on a small scale in 2001. Since then the company has grown substantially, supplying multiple retailers across the United States with hand drums, as well as offering top-notch service through this website, the best online store for djembes that we know of.

Before Irie Tones existed the owners spent time living in refugee camps and backpacking through rural West Africa, getting to know from first hand experience the incredible talent that exists among the culture-rich communities of Ghana. We sat with the drum makers, learning from them how a hand drum is carved from a single log, using only crude tools and bare hands. We learned to play by participating in community cultural events and from one-on-one lessons, taught by revered members of the local communities. We left our friends in Ghana wanting to somehow share the wonderful experiences we had with others, and wishing there were more we could do to help them help themselves out of the poverty they have know for generations. With no intentions of doing business together, we kept in contact with some close friends we'd made during our travels.

The Irie Tones idea sprouted when a friend of the owner's from Ghana came in need of a dependable, honest job. A master drummer by lineage, this friend had connections with the best artisans in the region, and was confident that he could supply us with high-quality, affordable hand-crafted drums for sale on the North American market. We decided to give it a try, feeling we had nothing to lose if it didn't work, and much to gain if it did. Since our first shipment we have kept it a priority to make sure we understand and meet the needs of our Ghanaian vendors, and that they receive just compensation for their talent and labor. Every drum sold by Irie Tones is contributing the the real livelihoods of many individuals and families trying to survive in a developing, struggling economy. Make your purchase with confidence and satisfaction, knowing you are not only getting an excellent drum for an incredible price, but that your dollars are being globally redistributed to those who will greatly benefit from them.

If you have any questions about our products or services, don't hestitate to contact us. We are continually updating our inventory and adding new percussion-related items to our repertoire, and may be able to help you find just the thing you're looking for!

Warmest Regards,

The Irie Tones Team