Play the African Mbira
The mbira instrument belongs to an ancient family of lamellophones played by the Shona people of Zimbabwe. Traditionally, the mbira is used as a spiritual pathway connecting the living to their ancestors. However, in recent times, the mbira has been adapted into popular music by musicians such as Thomas Mapfumo and Stella Chiweshe.
We teach using a contemporary adaptation of the traditional mbira. This version is called mbira nyunga nyunga and it is a 15 key mbira that was introduced in the 1960’s in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, based on a type of kalimba played in neighbouring Mozambique. With a beautiful, soothing sound, the mbira nyunga nyunga has captivated players around the world. Famous players of the instrument include Chiwoniso Maraire and Hope Masike.
Our workshops are available for all types of private and public events, including festivals, school theme days, corporate events and more. In 2019, we led mbira workshops at festivals such as WOMAD, Tropical Pressure and Wilderness.
What Will Participants Learn?
Although the mbira nyunga nyunga comes Zimbabwe, in additional to Shona and Ndebele folk songs, participants can also learn folk songs and rhythms from South Africa and Botswana.
Our mbira music workshops typically give participants the opportunity to also learn traditional call-and-response singing, patterns on the hosho - traditional Zimbabwean shakers which accompany traditional music, hand clapping patterns, drumming patterns and traditional dance choreography.
The background to all the songs taught is given for a well rounded cultural and historical understanding.
Mbira nyunga nyunga workshop at Pop Brixton
Workshop Set Up
We deliver all our workshops by ear, the traditional African way, which enables students to more freely engage their senses and be present in the music and experience as a whole. Workshops require absolutely no previous experience or knowledge of reading music, playing the marimba or of African music.
Workshops can be as short as 30 minutes long for younger children, or as long as one hour to an hour and a half for older participants. Bookings can be made for half a day, a full day, or over several days.
Mbira nyunga nyunga workshop at WOMAD
Contact Us
If you are interested in having an mbira nyunga nyunga workshop, use the tab below to get in touch. We would be delighted to discuss your ideas.