Mbira facts for kids

The mbira or kalimba is an amazing African musical instrument. It's part of a family of instruments called lamellophones. This means it makes sound when you pluck metal or wooden tines (like keys) with your thumbs. People sometimes call it a "thumb piano" because of how it's played!

The mbira has been played for thousands of years. It's very important in the culture and music of many African countries, especially Zimbabwe.

What is an Mbira?

An mbira is usually made of a wooden board or a resonator. Thin metal tines are attached to this board. These tines are arranged in different lengths. When you pluck them, they vibrate and create musical notes.

The sound of an mbira can be soft and gentle. It can also be rich and full, especially when played inside a large gourd resonator. This resonator helps make the sound louder and more beautiful.

How is it Played?

Playing the mbira is quite simple but takes practice. You hold the instrument in your hands. Then, you use your thumbs (and sometimes your index finger) to pluck the ends of the metal tines. Each tine makes a different note.

Players often pluck the tines in a rhythmic way. They create repeating musical patterns. These patterns can be very complex and beautiful. Many mbira players also sing along while they play.

Different Types of Mbira

There are many different kinds of mbira across Africa. They vary in size, shape, and the number of tines. Some common types include:

• Mbira dza Vadzimu: This is a traditional mbira from Zimbabwe. It means "mbira of the ancestors." It often has 22 to 28 tines. It's used in spiritual ceremonies and for storytelling.
• Kalimba: This is a more modern version of the mbira. It was made popular by Hugh Tracey in the 1950s. Kalimbas are often smaller and easier to learn. They are popular around the world today.
• Matepe: Another Zimbabwean mbira, it has a different layout of tines.
• Sanza: This is a general name for many types of thumb pianos found across Africa.
• Marimbula: A large bass version of the mbira. It is often used in Caribbean music.

The Sound of the Mbira

The sound of the mbira is unique. It can be described as bell-like or chime-like. The notes often blend together, creating a shimmering effect. This makes the mbira perfect for calm and meditative music. It's also great for lively dance tunes.

Some mbira have bottle caps or shells attached to them. These add a buzzing sound when the instrument is played. This buzzing is part of the traditional sound. It is believed to help connect the music to the spiritual world.

History and Culture

The mbira has a very long history. Instruments like it have been found in Africa for thousands of years. They were first made from wood or bamboo. Later, metal tines became common.

In Zimbabwe, the mbira dza Vadzimu is very important. It is used in ceremonies to connect with ancestors. It helps people remember their history and traditions. The music is often played all night long during these events.

The mbira is not just a musical instrument. It is also a way to tell stories. It helps pass down knowledge from one generation to the next. It is a symbol of culture and identity for many African people.

Today, the mbira is enjoyed by people all over the world. Musicians use it in many different types of music. From traditional African songs to modern pop, the mbira's unique sound adds something special.

Images for kids

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  A Zimbabwean mbira dza vadzimu

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  Tuning chart for the Tracey 15-note alto kalimba.

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  mbira dzavadzimu tuning and key layout * Same color keys are the same notes (usually octaves) * Key “1” is the lowest note, ascending to the highest note key “23” * Key “2” is often only found on the mavembe tuning * Some mbira have extra keys (e.g. extra “17” on left side, or higher notes on the right beyond key “23” are most common) * Note intervals can vary, but all the octaves are divided into a heptatonic scale, many being diatonic or at least nearly diatonic * This diagram does not represent every mbira dzavadzimu, but does represent the most common layout * The key numbering and color codes portrayed here are arbitrary and simply to communicate the layout (not traditional approach)

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  Mbira dzavadzimu in a deze.

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  A Zimbabwean matepe

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  A Kalimba player in Brazil by Eduard Hildebrandt (1846).

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  An example of a Marimbula in Haiti.

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  Sanza

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  Signature Series Gravikord

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  Hugh Tracey treble kalimba

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  An octagonal mbira of high craftsmanship which spans two octaves.