Where the Kalimba Came From

Ever wondered where the kalimba came from? We’ve got Hugh Tracey and his wife to thank for introducing this lovely sound box from Africa to the world. The English ethnomusicologist popularized the instrument of the Shona people in Southern Africa into what we know today as: the kalimba.

Cosmas Magaya was a master of the mbira and a repository of Zimbabwean music and culture.

While studying African music, Tracey was particularly intrigued by the mbira, the national instrument of Zimbabwe. Hence, in hope of sharing the fascinating little instrument, he adapted the mbira and created today’s kalimba, which translates into “Little Music”. How delightful, isn’t it?

For the love of music, this modern descendant of the African lamellophone has indeed become a globetrotter, with people all around the world (including you!) now learning and appreciating its tranquil and enchanting harmony. Today, the kalimba continues to be handcrafted and comes in different varieties. The tunes and melodies produced by this thumb piano do not only accompany the singing and dancing of social gatherings and wedding ceremonies; we can even hear them in some of our favourite songs today. Now, aren’t you glad to be owning a kalimba yourself? Go, have fun!

(Source: QuokkaTunes Kalimba Guide 2020)