African Percussion

Well the Smithsonian is of course where to start.
One of my fave instruments to play though is the African slit box drum.

i'm not an expert on this at all, but long ago i got this album by Guem, which is an amazing album, especially "Le Serpent". highly recommended. (AMG says it's 2001, it's much much older or i'm confusing it with another album. anyway, the track's on the album)

Like the whole continent! There are different styles from different regions....Try the afropop website and take a look at the Rough Guide to World Music book that covers the various African countries. Use google and you'll find a number of sites and references to books-- the Da Capo Guide by Graham ; Music is the Weapon of the Future by Tenaille.

I quite like drumming from Guinea and of course there's the Burundi drumming and Senegalo and Mali all have their uniques styles and instruments.

I've just been to The Gambia - incredible. As Steve says, it's a huge continent. From personal experience, Senegal is a good starting point.

Have a look here: African Music