African InstrumentsPart 1

Bellwork: Define Terms

Mbira: Thumb Piano

Balafoo: Marimba

Kora: Harp

Sanko: Stringed Instrument

Jelle: Singing

Bentwa: Bow

Sanko

Balafoo

Mbira

Guided Notes

One of the most striking features of African life was the importance given to the music and dance

“We are almost completely a nation of dancers, musicians, and poets.” –Equiano

Every great event, return from battle, causes for public rejoicing, is celebrated by public dance which is accompanied by songs and music

Active Example #1Mugara Ndega

Describe the timbre (sound quality) of this instrument:

What is the mood of this piece?

Does this sound metallic or wooden?

Listening Example #1 Just the facts

In ancient times the mbira was played primarily by betrothed virgins at carnivals.

Mbira music employs cross-rhythms—a hemiola, or 2:3 rhythm

It is commonly tuned in mixolydian mode, whose half-steps are between 3-4 and 6-7.

Guided Notes

Thomas Mapfumo is a famous mbira musician

When playing mbira, the right pinky hooks into a hole on the side to stabalize the instrument.

It is the national instrument of Zimbabwe

Bottle caps, shells, or other objects known as "machachara” are often affixed to the soundboard to create a buzzing sound when the instrument is played. In a traditional setting, this sound is considered extremely important, as it is believed to attract the ancestral spirits.

CFU: Try it!

Pass around a real mbira and give it a try.

See if you can play one rhythm in the left hand and a different on in your right.

While you are awaiting your turn complete a diagram labeling the parts of the mbira, notate a common scale and read a short biography of Thomas Mapfumo.

Map QuestID: Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Gambia, Burkina Faso

Balafoo Notes

It might be large with 20 or more keys, or small enough to fir around your neck.

Construction—pieces of bamboo laid over small gourds one larger than the other.

Played with two wooden hammers covered with gutta-percha.

A woman who played this had bells fastened to her wrists, so she was able to sound as she struck the balafoo.