Africa Heartwood Project has been the means for helping hundreds of cultural artisans and vendors in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mali, Guinea, and Senegal to be self-sufficient in their chosen trade. This is not a charitable hand out that encourages dependence. It is a hand up that preserves dignity and encourages self-reliance.

Watch this video to hear the story about how we're Fighting Poverty One Drum at a Time, courtesy of Salt Lake Tribune.

The roots of Africa Heartwood Project originate in African drums as a means of generating sustainable livelihoods for cultural artisans. From helping one group of carvers sell 10 djembes in 2001, to facilitating the production and export of over 3,000 drums from five West African countries in 2009 alone, the intent is the same: Use renewable resources, local knowledge, appropriate technology, and global partnerships to improve the quality of life for those who are willing to work for it. And it is working.

Buy a Drum Today!

The drums are also used as a platform for raising funds to implement other humanitarian and development projects in West Africa. When a drum is sold online donations are accepted to support deaf students, refugee orphans, clean water projects. Drum sales also cover any overhead or administrative costs associated with operating AHP, with a portion of proceeds going to project implementation as well.

There are additional benefits to this project we didn't originally foresee. Our drums are an important part of keeping traditional African drum and dance cultures alive, and sharing their joy with the rests of the world. By enabling the ongoing production and international trade of traditional African instruments, the music, drum, and dance cultures from which these instruments come are revitalized and enhanced. By connecting the old traditions to the modern market, the old traditions are kept alive and relevant. And, those who buy and play the instruments are connecting to people and traditions from a beautiful culture they might not otherwise have access to. The rhythms and music from West Africa inspire a sense of community, gratitude, and self-expression in those who encounter them.

We encourage you to support the ongoing success of this project by purchasing an African drum or instrument from one of these fine retail partners.

Pictures of Drum Builders in Ghana (October 2008 and June 2009)

Watch a Djembe drum being carved in this video: