Mbira Music of Zimbabwe

involved — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 01:52:00 +0000

Perhaps the greatest musical contribution to come from Southeastern Africa, the mbira is an ancient instrument traditionally played during the religious ceremonies and social gatherings of the Shona people. There are dozens of different “thumb pianos” found throughout Africa and other parts of the world, and it is believed that the mbira predates them all.

To amplify the sound, the mbira is often set inside a resonating chamber, usually a hollowed gourd, and to this gourd are typically attached sea shells or bottle caps to produce a certain ringing sound when the mbira is played. This unique quality is considered most important, as this ringing sound is said to invoke the spirits during ceremonies and gatherings.

After this video, Click Here to see what Hugh Tracey created when he got back from his travels to Africa, with the influence of instruments like the mbira in mind.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Music of the Array Mbira

admin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:44:30 +0000

Just one in a long line of mbira-inspired instruments, the array mbira is a western take on an ancient instrument.

Sacred music instrument of Zimbabwe, the mbira is frequently played at religious ceremonies and social gatherings. The instrument is common all throughout Africa, and recently western versions have been produced, namely the kalimba and specifically the Hugh Tracey.

After the video, Click Here to view another percussion instrument.

Click here to view the embedded video.

MusicPlanetEarth » Mbira

Mbira Music of Zimbabwe

Music of the Array Mbira