15 Free African Musical Instruments Coloring Pages Beyond the Tambourine (Human-Drawn PDFs)
Children hear music before they understand it. A beat that makes them stop and move. A sound they want to find the source of.
These African musical instruments coloring pages help children experience music in a deeper, more engaging way.
Instead of just hearing sounds, kids begin to see, color, and connect with instruments like the djembe drum, mbira, and balafon. These musical instrument coloring pages turn rhythm into something visual, creative, and culturally rich.
A Note from Louisa (Founder of MyKidColors)
Growing up, music wasn’t something we went looking for — it was just there. My dad would play guitar during our morning Bible study, and by Sunday, the church had everything from piano to African talking drums to the shaka-shaka rattling in someone’s hand.
Less searching. More MEANINGFUL moments.
When kids recognize themselves on the page, coloring changes.
The Inclusive Family Coloring Collection includes 25 human-drawn illustrations centered on everyday moments — designed to make inclusion feel normal, joyful, and intentional.
Because representation shouldn’t be reserved for one month.
My son has that same pull. He beats on the couch the way kids do when the rhythm gets into them and they just have to let it out.
These African musical instruments coloring pages are for him — and for every child whose body already knows something their hands haven’t learned to play yet.
Conversation Corner: 3 Questions to Ask While Coloring
Turn this activity into a bonding moment. While your child colors, try asking these questions:
- For “Djembe Drum” (Page 1): “What kind of sound do you think this drum makes, and how would you play it if you had one?”
- For “Drum Circle” (Page 6): “How does it feel when people make music together, and why do you think teamwork matters in music?”
- For “Songs of Our Stories” (Page 14): “How can music tell stories, and what story would you want to share through a song?”
The Collection: 15 Free African Musical Instruments Coloring Pages
We have organized these into three sets to help you teach rhythm, creativity, and cultural connection—from simple instruments to storytelling through music.
For Little Hands: Discovering Sound & Rhythm (Pages 1–5)
Best for toddlers and preschoolers. These pages focus on simple shapes, basic instruments, and early musical curiosity.
- Page 1: introduces “Djembe Drum,” giving children a bold and simple African drum coloring page to explore rhythm visually.
- Pages 2 & 3: explore “Mbira Music” and “Balafon,” helping children recognize different instrument sounds through easy, engaging shapes.
- Pages 4 & 5: show “Feel the Rhythm” and “Let’s Dance,” connecting music with movement, joy, and expression.
Playing Together & Learning Music (Pages 6–10)
Perfect for elementary kids. These pages highlight teamwork, learning, and musical growth.
- Page 6: introduces “Drum Circle,” showing how rhythm is shared through community and connection.
- Pages 7 & 8: explore “Kora Music” and “Street Rhythm,” bringing cultural performance and everyday music to life.
- Pages 9 & 10: show “Practice the Beat” and “Music Under the Tree,” focusing on learning, patience, and calm musical moments.
The Full Story & Cultural Expression (Pages 11–15)
Designed for older kids or deeper reflection. These pages expand storytelling, identity, and cultural appreciation.
- Page 11: introduces “African Music Festival,” showing music as celebration and community experience.
- Pages 12 & 13: explore “Rhythm of the Drum” and “Music Connects Us,” highlighting patterns, creativity, and global connection.
- Pages 14 & 15: show “Songs of Our Stories” and the hero page, bringing everything together through storytelling, heritage, and pride.
Perfect for Calm Activities, Creative Learning, and Homeschool
Teachers and parents love using these as musical instruments coloring pages for kids, percussion coloring pages, and African instrument educational resources. Here are a few ways to extend the lesson:
- Music & Color Activity: Pair a printable African drum coloring page with simple rhythm clapping or tapping so children can connect sound with action.
- Story Sequencing: Use Pages 1, 6, 11, and 14 to guide children through a musical journey—from learning an instrument to performing and storytelling.
- Create Your Own Instrument: Encourage kids to design their own African instruments drawing or decorate a drum using patterns inspired by the pages.
Why We Choose Hand-Drawn Over AI
When a child colors a djembe, they are not just filling in a circle.
They are tracing the shape of something that has been played for generations — at celebrations, at gatherings, at moments that mattered. The way that instrument is drawn tells them whether it belongs to a real moment or a generic one.
That is why I work with human illustrators. Each page in this set was created by a real artist who made deliberate choices — the angle of the drum, the hands holding the kora, the expression of a child learning to play.
Every Musical Instruments of Africa coloring page is thoughtfully created to reflect cultural depth, emotional connection, and meaningful learning. Those choices are what make a coloring page feel worth keeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I use these pages to teach kids about African music?
Pair coloring with listening activities, letting children hear the instruments they are coloring to create a full sensory experience.
Are these suitable for music classes or homeschool lessons?
Yes, they work perfectly as elementary music resources, music themed coloring pages, and cultural learning tools.
How do I make this more interactive for kids?
You can also cut out instruments to create music scenes, use pages as learning visuals, or display the hero page as a celebration of culture and creativity.
Download Your Free Set
Music has always been a way of passing something down — a story, a feeling, a place. These pages are our way of making sure children get to hold that too.
Download your free set and let the questions begin.
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