what type of instrument is a mbira

What is the mbira?

The mbira is an idiophone instrument that is classified under lamellaphone, meaning a small metal plate. Aside from its name, the mbira is also known as finger harp, gourd piano, thumb piano, and zanzu. It is a musical instrument that is mostly used by the Shona people, an ethnic group that is native to Southern Africa.

How do you play a mbira?

They consist of a wooden board (often fitted with a resonator) with attached staggered metal tines, played by holding the instrument in the hands and plucking the tines with the thumbs (at minimum), the right forefinger (most mbira), and sometimes the left forefinger.

What is the Chimurenga/mbira?

A voice for the chimurenga/liberation struggle appeared in Thomas Mapfumo, ‘The Lion of Zimbabwe’ who blended traditional instruments and Shona language with Western instruments/styles. This ‘chimurenga music’ and the mbira that inspired it are both deeply symbolic of Shona culture and its resistance against colonial structures.

What is a kalimba and how is it similar to mbira?

The Kalimba is a similar instrument wholly based on Mbira, just a more modern take. Created in the 1950s/1960s, the Kalimba is smaller and produces a sweeter sound than its bigger, deeper parent-instrument. The Kalimba has single-rows of tines all the way across, which causes incredible variations in their playable scales.

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What type is mbira?

Musicologists classify it as a lamellaphone, part of the plucked idiophone family of musical instruments. In Eastern and Southern Africa, there are many kinds of mbira, often accompanied by the hosho, a percussion instrument.

Is mbira a idiophone?

mbira, also called mbila sansa, kilembe, likembe, timbrh, or thumb piano, plucked idiophone (instrument whose sounding parts are resonant solids belonging to the body of the instrument itself)—or more specifically, a lamellaphone—that is unique to Africa and widely distributed throughout the continent.

Is mbira a pitched instrument?

The pitch of a mbira dzevadzimu is largely a matter of personal preference, ranging from high to very deep. Each instrument has a range of three octaves, or slightly more.

What are idiophone instruments?

Idiophones are instruments that create sound through vibrating themselves. They differ from chordophones and membranophones because the vibrating is not the result of strings or membranes. Under the Hornbostel-Sachs classifcation system, idiophones are further divided into struck idiophones and plucked idiophones.

Is mbira a membranophone?

Kidi Drum (membranophone) Shekere (idiophone) Mbira (idiophone) Agogo (idiophone)

Is a mbira is considered a membranophone?

The African "thumb piano" or mbira is considered a membranophone. A guitar is considered a chordophone.

Is mbira a percussion instrument?

The thumb piano, or mbira – a name derived from Shona language of Zimbabwe - is uniquely African percussion instrument.

How are musical instruments classified?

Instruments are classified using 5 different categories depending on the manner in which the instrument creates the sound: Idiophones, Membranophones, Chordophones, Aerophones, & Electrophones.

What sound does a mbira?

When the keys of the mbira are struck, they ring on in the gourd resonator with rich and sonorous tones "like bells," as one musician has suggested, or like flutes, as a line of classic poetry accompanying mbira music implies.

What is the example of aerophone?

Examples include the trumpet, cornet, horn, trombone and the tuba.

What is membranophone and examples?

Membranophones are instruments that make sound from the vibrations of stretched skins or membranes. Drums, tambourines, and some gongs are common examples of membranophones.

What kind of instrument is aerophone?

aerophone, any of a class of musical instruments in which a vibrating mass of air produces the initial sound. The basic types include woodwind, brass, and free-reed instruments, as well as instruments that fall into none of these groups, such as the bull-roarer and the siren.

What is mbira made of?

Mbira consists of a row of metal strips, used as key, attached to an open-ended wooden gourd or hollow resonator. They keys vary in length, with the longer ones placed in the centre, and each length determines the key's pitch. The shorter the key, the higher the sound, and the longer the key, the lower it will be.

Is Kora a Chordophone?

The Kora, african music instrument (West Africa) is a cordophone instrument with a bridge system; membranophone; with a calabash building the acoustic box; and it belongs to the doble strung harps family. Cordophone.

What sound does the mbira make?

When the keys of the mbira are struck, they ring on in the gourd resonator with rich and sonorous tones "like bells," as one musician has suggested, or like flutes, as a line of classic poetry accompanying mbira music implies.

What is the classification of Kora?

String instrumentPlucked string instrumentKora/Instrument family

What is the pitch of a Mbira?

The pitch of an mbira is a matter of personal or regional preference, ranging from high to very low. Each instrument has a range of 3 to 3 1/2 octaves.

How many keys are in a Mbira?

The type of mbira shown here, of the Shona people of Zimbabwe, consists of 22 to 28 metal keys mounted on a gwariva (hardwood soundboard) made from wood of the mubvamaropa tree (Pterocarpus angolensis).

What do you put on a Mbira soundboard?

Either metal beads strung on a wire, or bottle tops/shells/other shakers mounted on a metal plate, are placed on the lower portion of the mbira soundboard to add a buzz which varies from a soft shimmering hiss to a tambourine-like sound. Bottle tops or shells are also mounted on the deze to increase the texture of the tone.

Why is buzz important in Mbira?

The buzz is considered an essential part of the mbira sound, required to clear the mind of thoughts and worries so that the music fills the consciousness of both musicians and listeners. The buzz adds depth and context to the clear tones of the mbira keys, and sometimes may be heard as whispering voices, singing, tapping, knocking, wind or rain. The buzz also increases the volume of the mbira.

What is the mutsigo on a calabash deze?

A mutsigo (small stick) is used to wedge the mbira securely inside the deze. Due to recurrent droughts, the deze is now often made of yellow or black fiberglass molded on a calabash deze.

What is a Mbira?

The mbira consists of a series of tuned metal or bamboo tongues (lamellae) attached at one end to a soundboard that often has a calabash or box resonator. (The related mbila has tin-can resonators.) At the fixed end, the tongues are pressed down over two bridges by a metal bar.

What is the purpose of a Mbira?

Use of a mbira to detect toxic substances and counterfeit medications.

What is a Mbira soundboard?

The mbira consists of a series of tuned metal or bamboo tongues (lamellae) attached at one end to a soundboardthat often has a calabash or box resonator. (The related mbilahas tin-can resonators.) At the fixed end, the tongues are pressed down over two bridges by a metal bar. Tuning is adjusted by sliding the tongues to alter their vibrating length.

Where did the Mbira originate?

Reported by European travelers as early as 1586, the mbira is found in the same areas as the xylophone, to which its tuning is similar and with which it shares several local names. It was taken by enslaved Africans to Latin America, where it developed into a number of unique forms.

What is the Mbira instrument?

The Mbira is an instrument from the African continent. It is sometimes called the ‘thumb piano’ because it is played with the thumbs and one finger. The mbira is made of 22 to 28 metal keys attached to a hardwood soundboard called the gwariva, usually placed inside a large gourd to amplify the sound. The metal keys are plucked with both thumbs and the forefinger of the right hand. The thumbs pluck downward on the keys. The forefinger plucks upward from beneath the keys.

What is the significance of the Mbira?

The Mbira is played for important Shona ceremonies, such as the bira, an all-night spirit possession ceremony. For these ceremonies, the mbira is accompanied by hand-clapping, singing, and percussion instruments. The Shona believe that the music of the mbira connects them to their ancestors.

What is the difference between Kalimba and Mbira?

While there are a few subtle differences between the kalimba and the mbila, including a double row of keys on the mbira and a single row of keys on the kalimba, the major difference between the two instruments is in their scales. The kalimba features the seven-note diatonic scale used in traditional Western music while the non-western scale of the mbira features the same notes but not in the same order. Some notes may even be missing. Because of the kalimba’s diatonic scale, every two-note combination creates a diatonic interval, making it easy to create harmonies.

What is the Mbira Dzavadzimu?

The Mbira dzavadzimu is a lamellaphone idiophone of the Zezuru Shona people of Zimbabwe. It is closely associated with traditional spirit possession ceremonies. These ceremonies, known as bira, are the primary context in which the mbira dzavadzimu is played, but it also has come to be incorporated in other settings more secular in nature. In recent decades, this instrument has become the most widely known form of Zimbabwean lamellaphone. This rise to prominence is often associated with the surge in nationalism that led to the Zimbabwean independence struggle of the 1970s. Music played on the mbira dzavadzimu became a source of nationalistic pride and came to index indigenous identity. The secularization and popularization of the mbira dzavadzimu continued after the independence movement as popular music groups began to incorporate traditional musical instruments and styles into contemporary musical forms. This synthesis of traditional and popular music was most notably done by Thomas Mapfumo. As the focus of scholarly writings and recordings published by American ethnomusicologist Paul Berliner in the 1970s, the mbira dzavadzimu came to the attention of an international audience.

What is the instrument called that people play in Africa?

Another “easy to learn, play, and take” instrument. Kalimba is a popular musical instrument in Africa where it was originated (also known as a thumb piano, etc.), and is now loved by people all over the world. It sounds very like a traditional music box.

What is the Sansa used for?

Mbira pervades all aspects of Shona culture, both sacred and secular. Its most important function is as a “telephone to the spirits”, used to contact both deceased ancestors and tribal guardians, at all-night bira (pl. mapira) ceremonies.

What is a Mbira instrument?

The mbira is an idiophone instrument that is classified under lamellaphone, meaning a small metal plate. Aside from its name, the mbira is also known as finger harp, gourd piano, thumb piano, and zanzu. It is a musical instrument that is mostly used by the Shona people, an ethnic group that is native to Southern Africa. For over a thousand years, several plucked lamellaphones and idiophones can be found in the country of Africa. Initially, most types of mbira have about 22 or 28 metal keys that are mounted on a hardwood soundboard called gwariva. This soundboard was made out of the mubvamaropa tree.

What are the different types of Mbira?

There are some variants of the mbira. These includes Mbira Dzavadzimu, Mbira Nyunga Nyunga, Njari Mbira, Nhare, and Mbira Matepe.

How many octaves does a Mbira have?

Some also have their own personal or regional preferences ranging from very low to high pitch. However, each instrument has a range of about 3 to 3 ½ octaves. Interestingly, the octave’s relationship in the mbira’s key layout is consistent even if the intervals are different. These were played by stroking down the keys using the player’s two thumbs while the forefinger strokes up the keys.

Where did the Njari Mbira originate?

Njari Mbira: The Njari Mbira is a variant of mbira that has 30 to 24 keys. Its place of origin is also in Zimbabwe, most particularly Makonde and Masvingo.

What is the buzzing sound on a Mbira?

The buzzing sound that the mbira produces is considered an essential part of the instrument’s sound. This is considered as a factor that adds depth, as well as context, to the clear tone of the mbira keys. Sometimes, the buzzing tone might be heard as singing, tapping, wind, or whispering sound. The buzzing sound also helps in increasing the volume of the mbira.

How many keys does a Mbira Matepe have?

Mbira Matepe: The mbira matepe is a mbira that has 26 keys. It also originated in the borders of Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

What is Mbira used for?

Mbira is used for personal meditation, and personal prayers to the spirits. And, mbira is included in celebrations of all kinds, including weddings, installation of new chiefs, and, in modern times, government events such as international conferences. Procession at Mujuru Bira 1971 – photo by R. Garfias.

What is the function of Mbira?

Function of mbira. The most important function of mbira is as a “telephone to the spirits”, used to contact both deceased ancestors and even more ancient tribal guardians, at all-night bira (pl. mapira) ceremonies. At these ceremonies, vadzimu, including midzimu (spirits of family ancestors), and mhondoro/makombwe (spirits of deceased chiefs, ...

What is the role of a Mbira player?

Mhondoro Mbira Group 2002. To be a gwenyambira, a professional mbira player accepted by the ancestor spirits to play at their ceremonies, is a role of service. When called at 3 am to come play mbira at a ceremony where other players have failed to bring the spirit called, the gwenyambira must go.

Why is Shona Mbira so popular?

The Shona mbira is becoming known around the world, due to tours by both traditional and non-traditional mbira players, Zimbabwean electric bands which include the instrument, and organization s such as MBIRA. In Zimbabwe, traditional musicians remind their communities that mbira is played to encourage the spirits which protect ...

Where are Shona Mbira found?

Other types of Shona mbira currently, but more rarely, found in Zimbabwe include the njari , matepe, mbira dzavaNdau, and the karimba (also called nyunganyunga or Kwanongoma mbira, developed for elementary and secondary school curriculum use at Kwanongoma College, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, in the 1960’s).

Why do people play Mbira?

Aside from its religious context, mbira is desired for the general qualities it imparts: peaceful mind and strong life force.

What is the name of the Shona music?

Mbira in Shona Culture. Mbira (the name of both the instrument and the music) is mystical music which has been played for over a thousand years by certain tribes of the Shona people, a group which forms the vast majority of the population of Zimbabwe, and extends into Mozambique.

Why is the Mbira used?

For over 1000 years, the mbira has been used in traditional Zimbabwean trance ceremonies for accessing healing and ancestral wisdom. Today the mbira instrument and its music is used around the world. You can hear mbira played in yoga classes and watch mbira performances in stadium concerts.

How does the Mbira work?

The mbira is held in place inside the Deze with a Mutsigo. This stick wedges the instrument firmly against the walls of the gourd. Each part of the mbira and Mutsigo that touches the gourd transmits sound vibrations into it for amplification. Firm contact points lead to a fuller sound.

How many notes are in a kalimba?

The kalimba is constructed from a wooden soundboard, with attached metal tines arranged into one row of eight or nine notes. A gourd is often attached for amplification. The kalimba is handheld and played with the thumbs. Although there is no standard note layout or tuning, scale degrees: 321 31567 (from left to right on the instrument - with the lower octave in bold) are common. This selection of notes, known as the ‘kalimba core’ has been inherited in various ways by the instruments in the mbira family, including: mbira dzavadzimu (where it is flipped horizontally, extra notes and a lower left register added) and mbira nyunganyunga / karimba (where a higher register is added).

What are the keys on a Mbira made of?

The keys (also known as tines, tongues, lamellae, reeds, or even ‘mbira’) of the mbira are made from metal. Different grades of steel are a popular choice (mild, sprung, stainless) - brass is also used but this is a less common choice.

Why is Mbira music played in trance?

Traditionally, mbira music is played in trance ceremonies for accessing healing and ancestral wisdom. The ancient mbira song structure is rich in self-similarity and ambiguity, inviting transformations of perspective in both players and listeners.

What is salvageable for Mbira?

Every metal comes with its own benefits and challenges (rusting, hardness, work time, brittleness, brightness, resonance), but sometimes a mbira maker simply uses what is salvageable - maybe umbrella spokes, car springs, or reinforcement rods from concrete! Hammering the keys into shape and tune takes great skill.

How many master progressions are there in Mbira?

For mbira mastery, you’ll need to learn about mbira chords and the 7 master progressions.

What are the sounds of the Mbira?

The sounds that come out of the Mbira also consist of rhythmic buzzing described as vibrational quivers and rattles.

What is the percussional vibrating part of the Mbira?

The percussional vibrating parts of the Mbira are known as the machachara. The machachara is generally affixed to a metal strip that spans across the gwariva. The most traditional material used to create it are loose bottle caps attached with wire ties.

What is the difference between a Kalimba and a Mbira?

The similarity comes from the Kalimba was created by being based on the Mbira. The difference between an Mbira and Kalimba is firstly age, with the Kalimba being the child of the original Mbira. From there, building and tine material can ...

What is a Mbira sound board?

The Mbira consists of a sounding board/box of hardwood with multiple flexible strips of bamboo, metal, wood, or another type of flexible material attached to it. These strips can be tuned and then plucked to produce sound.

What is the scale of a Kalimba?

The Kalimba is based on and produces the typical Western seven-note scale. It is easier for a player to create harmonies with themself on the Kalimba.

What is a Kalimba?

Kalimba. The Kalimba is a similar instrument wholly based on Mbira, just a more modern take. Created in the 1950s/1960s, the Kalimba is smaller and produces a sweeter sound than its bigger, deeper parent-instrument. The Kalimba has single-rows of tines all the way across, which causes incredible variations in their playable scales.

How many notes are in a Mbira?

With double-rows, the Mbira has 15-notes in no sensical order to the Western-world scale consisting of seven notes.

Instrument Construction

• The type of mbira shown here, of the Shona people of Zimbabwe, consists of 22 to 28 metal keys mounted on a gwariva (hardwood soundboard) made from wood of the mubvamaropa tree (Pterocarpus angolensis). Although the metal keys were originally smelted directly from rock containing iron ore, now they are made of steel from bed springs, bicycle spokes...

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Playing Technique

Shimmery Buzz – Why?

Mbira Tunings