Definition: The mbira is the national instrument of Zimbabwe. The mbira is in the lamellophone family of musical instruments, and is made of a small board or block (called a gwariva or soundboard) with attached metal strips. These strips are tuned as keys, and plucked or flipped to play both melody and rhythm. The mbira is often played inside a large drum-like resonator called a deze. The deze is decorated with shells and shakers, and acts as an amplifier while adding a rattling sound to the music.
Mbira music is considered sacred to the Shona people of Zimbabwe.
Mbira music is considered sacred to the Shona people of Zimbabwe.
Pronunciation: Mmmm-BEE-rah
Also Known As: sansa, lamellophone. There are also several closely related instruments, including the mbila, kalimba and the marimbula.
Examples:
The Soul of Mbira: Traditions of the Shona People - Various Artists(Compare Prices)
Talking Mbira: Spirits of Liberation - Stella Chiweshe (Compare Prices)
Sviriko: Meditations from an Mbira Master - Forward Kwenda (Compare Prices)
