It quickly fell back to Beladi being played on 4 or 5 djembes the first time Yanlavou faltered and never went forward again. They locked into a pattern years ago and were set in their ways. It put the beginner in front and in the lead, and it was beautiful. Have fun and enjoy, and remember if it hurts, you're probably doing it wrong. Traditionally played on doumbek.
Many variants exist.
From L. Morris's Rhythm Catalog . Bell X . The rhythm notation . . . The following notation can be easier for drummers and percussionists to use, compared to the usual notes and lines of conventional sheet music. Because drum notes aren't sustained but struck once, it makes sense to show the timing for these beats as single and equal.