Quick Facts About The Mbira

Today’s Google Doodle features Zimbabwe’s national instrument, the mbira. Read on to find out more information about the mbira.

Why is Google Doodle celebrating the mbira?

According to the Google Doodle’s description, the mbira was selected in honor of Zimbabwe’s Culture Week. The Culture Week is “Zimbabwe’s distinct way of celebrating and commemorating the United Nations World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development which falls on May 21 each year.” The yearly event is coordinated by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ).

The interactive Doodle created for the Zimbabwean instrument is a game where you can learn to play the mbira, while following the story of a little girl who grows up to become a mbira player. The story comes full circle when she becomes an inspiration for another child.

To create this interactive doodle, the Google Doodle team visited mbira experts and musicians in Zimbabwe. The video below takes you behind the scenes of the making of the doodle

What is the mbira? What does it look like?

The mbira is an instrument made of a wooden board with attached staggered metal keys. The keys have the shape of long thin plates. The instrument is also called a thumb piano. The mbira is probably Zimbabwe’s most known instrument. It is an important part of the culture of the Shona people.

What is the difference between a kalimba and a mbira?

There are many types of mbira. They are classified according to the ceremony in which they are used and to the number of keys they are made of.

The kalimba is a modern version of the mbira. Hugh Tracey, the English ethnomusicologist, created this adaptation of the mbira.

What is the mbira used for?

Traditionally, the mbira is used in important ceremonies. For example, it is used as a “telephone to the spirits” to contact deceased ancestors, in weddings, funerals, and other celebrations. The mbira is used both for religious ceremonies and secular events.

Is a mbira a chordophone?

The mbira is not a chordophone; it is a lamellophone. Chordophones are string instruments. The mbira is made of thin long plates.

What is another name for the mbira?

The mbira is known by many names, such as:

• The term thumb piano, is a generic, westernised name
• The term kalimba is sometimes used for mbira. But, remember that, kalimba is a modified mbira.
• Other terms for the mbira include: nhare, mbira dzavadzimu, and nyunga-nyunga mbira.
• In other countries, the mbira is called by other names such as likembe, and sanza.

What does the mbira sound like?

Many artists use the mbira and kalimba instruments. Check out this playlist to hear how those instruments sound.