The mbira is a family of African musical instruments. It is a type of lamellophone, an instrument with thin keys fixed to a board or box. Related instruments are also called sanza, sansi or kalimba in different places.
The mbira is a family of African musical instruments. It is a type of lamellophone, an instrument with thin keys fixed to a board or box. Related instruments are also called sanza, sansi or kalimba in different places.
Most mbiras have metal keys attached to a wooden soundboard. A player holds the instrument in both hands and plucks the free ends of the keys with the thumbs or fingers. Moving a key farther in or out changes the length that can vibrate and therefore changes its pitch.
Some forms are placed inside a large wooden or gourd resonator, which makes the sound louder. Small shells, rings or metal pieces may also be attached to produce a buzzing or rattling sound. Mbiras can have different numbers of keys and different systems of tuning.
Mbira music is especially important in Malawi and Zimbabwe. The instrument may be played alone or in a group. It is used for entertainment as well as ceremonies, funeral wakes, remembrance events and traditional healing. The knowledge of making and playing it has often been passed from older family members or teachers to younger players.
In 2020, UNESCO added the art of making and playing the mbira or sansi in Malawi and Zimbabwe to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.