Originating in Africa, the kalimba traces its roots back to the ancient musical instrument of Zimbabwe called the mbira. Through the ages, perhaps no other instrument has gone through as much of an evolution as the kalimba. Today, many kalimbas are made with electronic pickups so they can be played alongside drums and other electric instruments.

This video here shows KalimbaMan Kevin Spears getting loose on his electric kalimba, with a whole host of loops and effects. Enjoy! After the video Click Here to check out the mbira, grandfather of the kalimba.

When it comes to west African music, it is percussion instruments that usually come to mind, but don’t make the mistake of thinking that’s all there is to it. Aside from certain horns and flutes, the kora is another musical instrument native to west Africa.

A string instrument traditionally made from a large calabash, covered with cow skin, and played by storytellers and oral historians, the kora produces a beautiful sound similar to a harp. As for the origin of the kora, there is some uncertainty as to how long it has been around, but there is documentation of the instrument from 1799, and it is suspected that the kora may come from as far back as the 16th century.

After the video, Click Here to check out another world string instrument.