1. African Instruments
Part 1

2. Bellwork: Define Terms
Mbira: Thumb Piano
Balafoo: Marimba
Kora: Harp
Sanko: Stringed Instrument
Jelle: Singing
Bentwa: Bow

3. Sanko

4. Balafoo

5. Mbira

6. 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

7. Active Example #1 Mugara Ndega
Describe the timbre (sound quality) of this instrument:
What is the mood of this piece?
Does this sound metallic or wooden?

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Map Quest ID: Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Gambia, Burkina Faso

12. 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.