The Daf Drum
The daf is a traditional Persian-Kurdish frame drum, deeply rooted in centuries of musical heritage. While the word "daf" might remind some Dutch people of a well-known truck brand, in Iran and across the Middle East, the daf represents something entirely different — a powerful instrument of rhythm and spirit.
The daf invites the player to create pulsing, hypnotic rhythms that feel both ancient and alive. To many, its sound is heard as a call of love — something primal, sacred and deeply human. Mastering the daf requires not only technical skill, but also a deep sensitivity to tempo, silence, and presence. It is this emotional resonance that continues to inspire percussionists across the world.
The call of love
Interestingly, daf is also a word found in Hebrew, meaning "to strike". As one of the oldest and most influential percussion instruments, the daf has been used in many regions and cultures throughout history. Each tradition has developed its own style of playing, making the instrument as diverse as the people who carry its rhythm.
In some cultures, the daf was played during weddings and festivals. In others, it accompanied mourning rituals or was used to rouse warriors on the battlefield. In Sufism, the daf holds a particularly sacred place. It is played during sama, the meditative whirling dance, and zekr, the repetition of divine phrases in search of inner stillness.
Farid Sheek
Farid Sheek is a virtuoso on the daf, Iran's ancient percussion instrument. He masterfully blends traditional Persian rhythms with contemporary techniques, creating a unique and captivating soundscape. His performances are characterized by intricate rhythms, dynamic energy, and profound expression, showcasing his deep connection to Persian musical traditions and his innovative approach to the daf.
Mission
Farid Sheek’s mission with the daf is to create contemporary soundscapes rooted in the rich Persian musical tradition. Through this ancient frame drum, he aims to express universal human emotions and stories, blending rhythmic heritage with personal innovation. His playing invites audiences into a spiritual and cultural journey, bridging the gap between East and West.
Vision
Farid envisions a world where the daf is recognized not just as a traditional instrument, but as a powerful tool for modern artistic expression. By integrating diverse techniques and styles from various musical traditions, he seeks to expand the expressive capabilities of the daf and introduce it to new generations and global stages—transforming it into a symbol of unity, resilience, and cultural dialogue.
History and Origin of the Daf
The daf is a traditional frame drum originating from Persia and Kurdistan, with a history that dates back over two thousand years. It has spread across many countries and cultures in the Middle East and Central Asia, each developing its own playing styles and traditions. Today, the daf is considered one of the oldest and most influential percussion instruments in the world.
Historically, the daf has played a role in both festive celebrations and solemn rituals. In Sufi mysticism, it holds a sacred function: accompanying the sama (spiritual whirling dances) and zekr (recitations of divine names) to induce a state of spiritual ecstasy. The hypnotic sound of the daf is said to carry the “call of love.” For this reason, it continues to be cherished in both traditional music and contemporary world music.
The daf is typically held vertically with one hand gripping the frame, while the other hand strikes the drumhead. Players use their palms and fingertips to produce a range of tones—from deep bass to sharp, high taps. Many dafs have small metal rings or chains on the inside, which jingle as the player moves, adding a unique shimmer to the rhythm. This gives the daf a dynamic sound that can be soft and meditative or strong and uplifting.
Beginners usually start by learning how to hold the instrument, basic strokes, and simple rhythmic patterns. The daf is accessible to newcomers because basic beats are relatively easy to pick up. However, mastering tone and timing takes practice, and players develop hand control over time to produce clean, resonant tones.
Advanced players use finger rolls, fast wrist movements, and complex rhythm patterns to create layered textures. A well-known technique is the finger roll, which produces a fast tremolo by rolling the fingers across the skin. Experienced musicians also learn how to dampen or resonate the drumhead to control tone and volume with great nuance.
Mastery of the daf involves not just technique but also a deep understanding of traditional rhythmic vocabularies, particularly those from Persian, Kurdish, and Sufi musical traditions. An expert daf player can make the instrument sing, creating performances full of emotion, subtlety, and expressive power.
Farid Sheek is an Iranian-Dutch musician and composer known for his mastery of the daf. Born in Isfahan, Iran, into a musical and spiritual family, Farid began playing the daf at a young age. Since moving to the Netherlands, he has introduced the instrument to diverse audiences and collaborated with artists across genres.
Farid’s style blends traditional Persian rhythms with contemporary influences, creating a unique musical voice. He treats the daf not only as a traditional instrument but as a means of telling universal stories and expressing deep emotion. With a mission to connect cultures through music, Farid often combines the daf with Western instruments like the piano and cello, opening new musical dialogues.
Thanks to his distinctive artistry, Farid has brought the daf to prominent stages including the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. His performances are praised for their emotional depth, technical brilliance, and ability to give voice to the daf in ways rarely heard. As both a performer and teacher, he is a cultural ambassador for this ancient instrument.
Farid Sheek chooses to work only with top-tier dafs handcrafted by skilled artisans. The quality of a daf makes a significant difference in sound and playability. Professional-grade dafs are made with fine materials—such as hardwood frames and carefully selected natural skins—and individually tuned for rich, resonant tones.
While beginner instruments may be more affordable, they often lack the depth, durability, and tonal clarity of a well-crafted daf. High-end instruments, though pricier, deliver a powerful yet refined sound and respond better to the nuances of the player’s technique. Farid believes that a great instrument not only inspires better playing but also honors the musical tradition and craftsmanship it represents.
That’s why he offers only the best—so that serious players, whether students or professionals, can experience the full potential of the daf.