Mbira, a traditional African instrument, is essential to the Shona people of Zimbabwe and Malawi.

Used in spiritual ceremonies and social events, it connects generations with its distinctive sound. In this article, we will explore more about the instrument.

Mbira music master piece Live

video by #Coolboy

The Role of Mbira in Ceremonies

Mbira music goes beyond entertainment—it's a spiritual and cultural symbol. In Zimbabwe, mbira music is believed to connect the living with their ancestors, often played during ceremonies to commemorate the dead and celebrate life. The sounds of the mbira help bridge the spiritual world and reality, making it a key part of many cultural events.

In 2020, the “art of making and playing the traditional fingerpicking instruments of Malawi and Zimbabwe, the Mbira/Sansi” was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Modern Twist: The Kalimba

The kalimba is a modern interpretation of the instrument that was commercially produced and exported by ethnomusicologist Hugh Tracy in the late 1950s, and similar instruments have been popularized outside of Africa ever since. Tracy modeled his design after the Mbira and named the kalimba after the ancient predecessor of the Mbira family of instruments.

The kalimba is essentially a Westernized version of the mbira. It became popular in the 1960s and early 1970s, thanks in large part to the success of musicians such as Maurice White and Thomas Mapfumo of Earth Wind and Fire in the 1970s. These musicians used the mbira on stage to accompany modern rock instruments such as electric guitars, bass, drums, and horns. The songs they arranged were taken directly from the traditional mbira repertoire.

Influence on Modern Culture

Although set in Botswana, the mbira was also portrayed in the 1980's film. In the 2010 video game Donkey Kong Country Returns, one of the game's main villains is named Krazy Kalimba, a member of the musical instrument-themed Tiki Tak tribe, whose design features a “crown” reminiscent of the keys of a kalimba, and who plays kalimba music as part of his hypnotic spell to make animals do his bidding. He plays kalimba music as part of his hypnotic mantra, which he uses to get animals to do his bidding.

How to Play the Mbira

The mbira consists of a wooden platform with metal tines, played by plucking them with the thumbs and sometimes the forefingers. The instrument often includes a resonator to amplify its sound. Its clear, chimelike tone is instantly recognizable, especially when accompanied by the hosho, a traditional percussion instrument.

Final Thoughts

The mbira is more than just an instrument—it's a living part of African cultural heritage. From its ancient roots to its modern global presence, the mbira's sound continues to connect us all. Whether at a ceremony or a concert, we can appreciate the deep cultural history that resonates with each note.

Lykkers, have you experienced the mesmerizing sound of the mbira? If not, it's time to explore this beautiful tradition!