Zimbabwea name derived from Shona language of Zimbabwe – is uniquely African percussion instrument. In the distant past it was made entirely of wood or bamboo and could have been used for a few thousand years.

Is the mbira from Zimbabwe?

Mbira (/əmˈbɪərə/ əm-BEER-ə) are a family of musical instruments, traditional to the Shona people of Zimbabwe.

Who invented the mbira?

Popularized in the 1950s through a Westernized version designed by British ethnomusicologist Hugh Tracey (christened in this context as a kalimba), the mbira left its original land and its pure musical tradition to enter current music scenes where it has since flourished in various and unexpected forms.

When did 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.

Where is mbira played in Zimbabwe?

The Matepe variant of mbira is played in the north-eastern part of Zimbabwe, primarily by the Sena Tonga and the Kore-Kore subgroups of the Shona people. Matepe is sometimes also called hera, and when played, both thumbs and both index fingers are used.

What is Zimbabwean music called?

Sungura. Sungura is the most popular musical genre in Zimbabwe. It emerged in 1953, in a time when regional identity was in formation. This is the local genre of the Zimbabwe music industry.

What are the 5 most popular instruments from Africa?

Most widely spread and played instruments in Africa are the drum, the xylophone, the mbira, rattles and shakers.

What is English name for mbira?

(əmˈbiːrə ) noun. an African musical instrument consisting of tuned metal strips attached to a resonating box, which are plucked with the thumbs. Also called: thumb piano. Collins English Dictionary.

What was the first ever instrument?

The oldest musical instrument in the world, a 60,000-year-old Neanderthal flute is a treasure of global significance. It was discovered in Divje babe cave near Cerkno and has been declared by experts to have been made by Neanderthals. It is made from the left thighbone of a young cave bear and has four pierced holes.

Which nation in Africa first developed the mbira?

The mbira is a wooden and metal musical instrument which comes from the culture of the Shona people of the southern African nations of Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The Shona have played mbiras for at least 1,000 years.

What are indigenous Zimbabwe instruments?

Zimbabwe has a variety of indigenous African instruments that include mbira, mazambi, magagada, chipendani and chigufe. For the purpose of carrying out this research, three indigenous African instruments are identified as instruments of focus.

What is mbira dance in Zimbabwe?

Mbira dance is a characteristic, traditional ritual dance, accompanied by the mbira instrument. It is designed for specific occasions, usually religious in nature, and it is used to express the people. The Mbira dance is often used to lure spirits to come out through spirit mediums and communicate with the people.

Which nation in Africa first developed the mbira?

The mbira is a wooden and metal musical instrument which comes from the culture of the Shona people of the southern African nations of Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The Shona have played mbiras for at least 1,000 years.