The drumming on “Africa” is nothing short of iconic, so it’s only fitting to know the story behind it. The track was recorded in the early ’80s by a group of Kenyan musicians called the Pasanga Drummers, who were paid $200 for their work.
The story goes that they were recording the song in a small room when they were startled by a loud banging noise coming from outside the window. They turned and saw a man with his tongue sticking out, drumming on a water container with a spoon. They rushed out of the room and followed the man, still drumming as he ran until they arrived at his home.
They knocked on the door, and a man with a toothless smile opened the door and welcomed them inside. They explained that they were recording music and were looking for something to add to their sound and were so inspired by the way he drummed with his tongue. They asked if they could record him, and he happily agreed.
They set up their recording gear, and when they played back the tape, they were amazed by how beautiful his sound was, and so was the sound of the rest of their instruments when they played along with him.
The only problem was that they didn’t know his name, so they decided to call him “Tongue Drummer,” and the rest is history.
Top 10 Steel Tongue Drums For Beginners (Based on Our Research)
Our Editor’s Best Steel Tongue Drums For Beginners Reviews
Tongue Drum, Upgraded Steel Tongue Drum 8 Notes 6 Inch, Professional Steel Drum C-Key, Worry Free Drum (Black) for Beginner Adult Kids

Key Features:
- The steel tongue drums for beginners are a great product for those who want to find inner peace. The drums produce a clean, ethereal sound that is perfect for meditation or relaxation. The tongue drum is also very stable, meaning that it will produce the same sound each time it is played. This is perfect for those who want to find self-purification and healing.
- The steel tongue drums for beginners are suitable for various fields, including music education, yoga meditation, zazen, performances, religious activities, gift, and so on.
- This steel tongue drum is the best for beginner shoppers. It comes with a variety of music scores, so even beginners can play very happy music according to the score.
- This steel tongue drum is perfect for beginners. It is made of high-alloy steel and is strictly hand-modulated for a perfect tone.
- This steel tongue drum is perfect for beginners! It comes with a money-back guarantee, so if you’re not satisfied with it, you can get your money back. With this drum, you’ll be able to create beautiful music and have a lot of fun doing it!
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Steel Tongue Drum-10 Inch 11 Notes-Kmise Handpan Drum Kit Tank Drum Percussion Instrument with Drum Mallets Carry Bag Music Book for Beginner Adult Kids

Key Features:
- The steel tongue drum is a musical instrument that is played by striking the tongue with a drumstick. The 11-tone Kmise steel drum has a wider natural tuning range, which allows it to play a wider variety of music. The steel tongue drum is also said to be helpful in zen meditation, mind healing, yoga meditation, spiritual rehabilitation, and religious activities.
- The Kmise 10 Inch steel drum is a great choice for beginners because it has a large resonance cavity that produces a melodious, beautiful, and clean sound.
- This steel tongue drum is made of high-quality synthetic materials that are not easy to be corroded. It will not peel off paint and has a long service life.
- The steel tongue drum is a great choice for beginners who want to learn how to play a musical instrument. It is easy to learn and play, and it has a beautiful, ethereal sound. The steel tongue drum can be used for multiple purposes: Zen meditation, mind healing, yoga meditation, spiritual rehabilitation, religious activities, and more. It is also the best choice for gifts to elders.
- This steel tongue drum for beginners comes with a 10″ steel tongue drum, 2 drum mallets, 1 padded drum bag, 1 tone sticker, 4 finger picks, and 1 mallet bracket.
LEKATO Steel Tongue Drum 10 Inch 11 Notes, Steel Alloy Drum D Major Beginner Zen Drum Percussion for Meditation Yoga Musical Education, Best Gift for Adult& Kids, Sliver

Key Features:
- This steel tongue drum is made of steel alloy and is handcrafted by professionals. It is coated by spraying paint to prevent discoloration and wear.
- These steel tongue drums are great for beginners who want to create clean, ethereal sounds. The wider range of 11 tones in D major allows for a more buddha-like sound, making them perfect for meditation or yoga. They’re also great for early music education.
- This steel tongue drum is perfect for beginners who want to explore the world of music without any background noise. The drum mallets make it easy to play, and you can use your hands to create any sound you want.
- The steel tongue drum is an easy-to-learn musical instrument that is perfect for beginners. It comes with a songbook and is a great gift for families, friends, and children.
- This steel tongue drum set is perfect for beginners. It includes a 12-inch steel tongue drum, a pair of drum mallets, 4 finger picks, a music book, 2 tone sticker, and a storage bag. This set has everything you need to get started playing steel tongue drums.
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Steel Drum 8 Notes 6 Inch C Key Steel Tongue Drum Percussion Instrument Tongue Drum Musical Drums Set for Healing Concert Yoga Meditation, Gift for Music Beginner Easy Learn Funny Toy for Kids

Key Features:
- This is a steel tongue drum for beginners that comes with a complete upgrade kit. It includes a handspan drum, two drumsticks, a drumstick bracket, a full English score, a flannelette bag, a finger cover, a cotton drum bag, a desktop music stand, and two phonetic stickers. It is easy to carry with you thanks to the included drum bag.
- The steel tongue drums for beginners are a great toy for kids. It is simple to learn and easy to play. The drum has numbers on different spots on the drum which makes it easy to follow. The steel tongue drums for beginners are a great way to teach kids music and have fun at the same time.
- This steel tongue drum is perfect for beginners because it is easy to produce a clean, ethereal sound with it. The drum comes in the key of C and has 8 notes, so it is very stable and produces a calming effect.
- The steel tongue drums for beginners are made of high-quality titanium alloy steel and are coated with protective spray paint to add an extra protective layer to prevent discoloration, abrasion, and scratches. The drums allow you to achieve the ultimate feel when playing and avoid hurting your hands.
- The steel tongue drums for beginners is a great choice for kids, music enthusiasts, beginner, pregnant woman, and so on. They will be glad for this musical instrument drum set very much, that will be an unforgettable and amazing gift! For kids benefit from improving their musical, touch, hearing, and vision training, as well as hand-foot coordination training.
Lronbird Alloy Steel Tongue Drum 8 Notes 6 Inches Handpan Drums Concert Percussion Instruments with Pad Bag Mallets Music Book for Meditation Entertainment Musical Education Zen Yoga Gift (Malachite)

Key Features:
- The 𝆕 steel tongue drums are high-quality percussion instruments that are perfect for beginners. They are made of high-alloy steel for better corrosion resistance and heat resistance, and they are strictly hand-modulated for a more stable tone. The sound is crisp and beautiful, and the drum body is full and round. The drum surface sound tongue is shaped by lotus petals for a unique look.
- The steel tongue drums for beginners are a great way to relax and enjoy the sounds of nature. The ethereal sound can help you achieve inner peace, and the pure and mellow sound can help you relax. This is a great gift for children and adults alike.
- The steel tongue drums for beginners are a set of two small drums that are perfect for music education, yoga, meditation, zen tone, spiritual rehabilitation, dream and prayer, concert accompaniment, and a child’s enlightenment. With their stylish design and perfect sound, they are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults!
- The steel tongue drums for beginners are a great choice for those who want to learn how to play the steel drums. The drum has 8 tones that provide a wider range of sound, and it comes with a carry-on bag for easy carrying. The included note enables beginners to learn and play it more easily.
- The steel tongue drum is a great gift for kids. It helps with child development, brain power, memory, confidence, patience, and creativity. The chic design makes it perfect for music-themed parties or birthday parties.
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Lronbird Steel Tongue Drum 8 Notes 6 Inches Handpan Drums for Beginners Adults Kids Ages 5-7-9-12 Year Old, Fun Hue Musical Instruments with Mallets for Yoga Meditation Zen Tone Balmy Gift (Navy)

Key Features:
- The steel tongue drums for beginners are a great choice for those looking for a unique instrument. Made of high-alloy steel for better corrosion resistance and heat resistance, it is strictly hand-modulated and accurately cut by hand for a stable tone. The sound is crisp and beautiful, and the drum body is full and round. The drum surface sound tongue is shaped by lotus petals for a perfect tone.
- The steel tongue drum for beginners is a great way to produce a clean, ethereal, Buddha-like sound. You can just follow your heart to explore, and the ethereal sounds can purify your mind and soul. With the pure and mellow drum sound, you can feel the relaxation and joy from the heart.
- The steel tongue drums for beginners are suitable for various fields, including music education, yoga, meditation, zen tone, spiritual rehabilitation, dream and prayer, concert accompaniment, and a child’s enlightenment. Pray for family peace and luck. With its stylish design and perfect sound, it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults!
- The steel tongue drums for beginners are a great choice for those looking for an easy-to-play instrument. The drum comes with 8 different tones that can be played with the included drum mallets or with your hands. The included note enables beginners to learn and play it more easily. The tongue drum also comes with a carry-on bag for easy carrying.
- This tongue drum is perfect for kids who are just starting to learn how to play an instrument. It is a great gift for parents to give to their children, and it can help with child development, brain power, memory, confidence, patience, and creativity. The chic design will make any kid’s music party or birthday party more attractive.
Steel Tongue Drum 8 Notes 6 Inches Handpan Drums for Beginners Adults Kids Ages 5-7-9-12 Year Old, Fun Hue Musical Instruments with Mallets for Yoga Meditation (WHITE)

Key Features:
- This steel tongue drum is a percussion instrument that is made by hand from carbon alloy. It is full and round, and the inner cavity is hollow to produce better sound quality. When the tongue drum is struck with a drumstick, it produces vibrations, and once the basic rhythm is mastered, it can be struck in a beautiful rhythm that is easy to learn.
- The steel tongue drum is a circular drum that produces different rhythms by vibrating in the air. It has a standard C tuning with 8 notes and produces a longer-lasting, more ethereal sound than other instruments. However, it only has 8 tones, which may not satisfy customers who are looking for perfect sound quality and sound effects.
- The steel tongue drums for beginners are perfect for people who want to relax and de-stress. They have a beautiful, mellow sound and moderate volume, which makes them perfect for playing at outdoor picnics, church services, family gatherings, bar dinners, or dances.
- The steel tongue drums for beginners are a great way for beginners to learn how to play the steel drums. The steel drum tongue has notes on it, so you can use the included sticks or follow the notes with your hands to play the steel drum. The included sheet music makes it easier for beginners to learn and play. The included carrying case makes it easy to carry.
- The steel tongue drum is a great instrument for beginners. It comes with a drum bag, two drumsticks, a drumstick holder, sheet music, and six finger pads. It also includes spare notes and two note stickers.
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Lomuty 12 Inches Steel Tongue Drum – 11 Notes 12 inches – Percussion Instrument -Handpan Drum with Bag, Music Book, Mallets, Finger Picks

Key Features:
- This steel tongue drum is a 12-inch 11-note steel tongue drum that comes pre-tuned to the Mixed C Major. The tone of the steel tongue drum is soft and melodious, and you can feel the relaxation and joy from the heart.
- This steel tongue drum is a great choice for beginners. It comes with a steel drum, mallets, music book, bag, notes sticker, and picks.
- These steel tongue drums for beginners are hand-made of steel-titanium alloy and coated with green spraying paint to resist corrosion. They are applicable to a variety of fields, including music education, mind healing, yoga meditation, and so on.
- This steel tongue drum is great for beginners because it has a wide range of sounds and can play more music. You don’t need any musical background to use it, just a sense of exploration and yourself.
- This steel tongue drum is a great option for beginners. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can be confident in your purchase. It also has good after-sales service, so you can be assured that you will be taken care of if you have any issues with the product.
Steel Tongue Drum Steel Drums Flatsons C Key 8 Notes 5.5 Inch Percussion Instrument with Drum Mallets Carry Bag Great Gift for Beginner Adult Kid Black

Key Features:
- This steel tongue drum has 8 tones and is in the key of C, making it perfect for beginners who want to play some simple songs.
- This steel tongue drum is perfect for beginners who have no musical background. Just follow your heart to play the music.
- The Pyle steel tongue drum is a great choice for beginners who want to learn how to play the steel drums. The drum comes with two pan mallets and can be played with your fingers.
- The steel tongue drums for beginners are made of high-quality alloy steel material, which is smooth, exquisite, and anti-corrosion.
- These steel tongue drums are perfect for beginners who want to take their drumming with them wherever they go. The included drum bags make it easy to transport the drums, and the steel construction ensures durability and great sound quality.
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Lronbird Steel Tongue Drum 8 Notes 6 Inches Handpan Drums for Beginners Adults Kids Ages 5-7-9-12 Year Old, Fun Hue Musical Instruments with Mallets for Yoga Meditation Zen Tone Balmy Gift (White)

Key Features:
- The steel tongue drums for beginners is a percussion instrument that is made of high-alloy steel. It is strictly hand-modulated and accurately cut by hand. The tone is very stable. The sound is crisp and beautiful. The drum body is full and round, and the drum surface sound tongue is shaped by lotus petals.
- The steel tongue drum is a great way for beginners to get into playing drums. The tongue drum can produce a clean, ethereal, Buddha-like sound that is perfect for relaxation and joy.
- This steel tongue drum is perfect for beginners who want to learn how to play this instrument. It is also great for people who want to use it for yoga, meditation, or even just relaxing. The drum comes with a stylish design and perfect sound, so it will be a hit with everyone who hears it.
- This steel tongue drum is perfect for beginners who want to learn how to play the steel drum. The drum has 8 different tones that you can play with, and it comes with a carry-on bag for easy carrying.
- This is a steel tongue drum that is perfect for beginners. It is a great gift for your kids, and it can help with child development, brain power, memory, confidence, patience, and creativity.
Steel Tongue Drums For Beginners FAQs
What is a steel tongue drum?
A steel tongue drum is a percussion instrument that consists of a steel bowl with a tongue-like piece of metal protruding from the center. The tongue is struck with a mallet to produce a sound.
How is a steel tongue drum made?
A steel tongue drum is usually made out of a steel or aluminum sheet that is formed into a cylinder. The cylinder is then cut into thin slices, and each slice is bent into a tongue shape. The tongues are then welded or riveted to the inside of the drum.
What does a steel tongue drum sound like?
A steel tongue drum sounds like a cross between a drum and a bell.
How do you play a steel tongue drum?
There is no one way to play a steel tongue drum, as there is no one way to play any instrument. Steel tongue drums can be played with mallets, with the hands, or with other objects such as chopsticks. Some people play them as part of a percussion ensemble, while others use them as solo instruments.
What are the different types of steel tongue drums?
The different types of steel tongue drums are:
1. Single-tongue drums: These drums have a single tongue, or note, which is played by striking the drum with a mallet.
2. Double-tongue drums: These drums have two tongues, or notes, which are played by striking the drum with two mallets.
3. Multi-tongue drums: These drums have three or more tongues or notes, which are played by striking the drum with multiple mallets.
Conclusion
There are many great steel tongue drums for beginners on the market. Our list of the best steel tongue drums for beginners will help you save time researching and choosing the best one for you.