The Most Popular Traditional Instrument in Zimbabwe, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the traditional instrument you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:52
In Zimbabwe, traditional instruments play a crucial role in preserving and celebrating the rich tapestry of cultural heritage. These instruments not only provide entertainment but also serve as vessels for passing down stories, wisdom, and ancestral connections from one generation to another. By ranking these instruments, we gain insights into which ones resonate most deeply with both locals and enthusiasts around the world.
This list not only enlightens new audiences about Zimbabwean music but also stirs a sense of pride and recognition for the artisans who craft these instruments. By participating in the voting, you help highlight the instruments that truly capture the spirit and cultural vibrancy of Zimbabwe. Your vote supports the continued appreciation and preservation of these traditional sounds.
What Is the Most Popular Traditional Instrument in Zimbabwe?
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155votesThe mbira is a popular traditional instrument in Zimbabwe, used in various ceremonies and cultural events. It is a thumb piano-like instrument that produces a unique sound.The Mbira is a traditional musical instrument in Zimbabwe, also known as a thumb piano. It consists of a wooden board with metal keys that are plucked with the thumbs.
- Number of keys: Usually between 22 to 28 keys
- Material: Wooden board with metal keys
- Key layout: Diatonic or pentatonic scale
- Tuning: Varies, but commonly tuned to a specific scale (such as the Nyamaropa scale)
- Playing technique: Keys are plucked with the thumbs while the other fingers provide support
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220votesHosho is a percussion instrument made of dried gourds and seeds, and it is used in conjunction with other instruments during traditional dances and ceremonies.The Hosho is a popular traditional instrument in Zimbabwe. It is a shaker made from a pair of gourd shells filled with seeds, pebbles, or beans. The shells are connected by a handle which is often made from wood or leather. The sound of the Hosho is produced by shaking the instrument, causing the contents to create a rhythmic pattern.
- Origin: Zimbabwe
- Type: Shaker instrument
- Materials: Gourd shells, seeds or pebbles, wood or leather handle
- Sound: Produces rhythmic shaking sound
- Purpose: Accompanies traditional music and dance
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317votesThe djembe is a drum that originated from West Africa, but it is also commonly used in Zimbabwean music. It is used in various genres of music, including traditional and modern.The Djembe is a popular percussion instrument originating from West Africa. It is a drum made of a single piece of hollowed-out wood or a carved-out tree trunk, with a drumhead made out of stretched animal skin, traditionally goat skin. The drumhead is secured with a system of ropes or metal rings that allow for tension adjustment. The Djembe is played by striking the drumhead with bare hands or using mallets to produce a variety of tones and dynamics.
- Origin: West Africa
- Materials: Wood, animal skin (traditionally goat skin)
- Size: Typically around 12-13 inches in diameter
- Height: Usually around 24-25 inches tall
- Weight: Ranges from 5 to 15 kilograms
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423votesNgoma is a traditional drum that is commonly used in Zimbabwean music. It is played during important cultural events and ceremonies.Ngoma is a popular traditional instrument in Zimbabwe, primarily used for music and dance performances. It is a multi-purpose drum that holds significant cultural and spiritual value in the region. The ngoma is known for its powerful and rhythmic sound that resonates through traditional ceremonies and celebrations.
- Type: Percussion instrument
- Materials: Wood, animal hides
- Size: Varies, typically around 2-4 feet in height
- Shape: Cylindrical, wider in the middle, tapering towards the top and bottom
- Playing technique: Played with bare hands or sticks
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58votesA marimba is a percussion instrument that is similar to a xylophone, but it has a deeper, more resonant sound. It is commonly used in Zimbabwean music, particularly in the Shona tribe.Marimba is a classic ringtone for iPhone that resembles the sound of a marimba, a musical instrument from the percussions family. Known for its distinct and pleasant melody, it has become one of the most popular and recognizable ringtones worldwide.
- Name: Marimba
- Length: 0:09 seconds
- Format: M4R
- Bitrate: 128 kbps
- Sound: Digital representation of a marimba playing
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68votesThe kalimba is a thumb piano-like instrument that produces a sweet, melodic sound. It is commonly used in Zimbabwean folk music, particularly in the Mbira tradition.The kalimba is a popular traditional instrument in Zimbabwe. It is also known as a thumb piano or mbira. The instrument consists of a wooden board or box with metal tines attached to it. When the tines are plucked with the thumbs or fingers, they produce different musical notes. It is commonly played by the Shona people and has a significant cultural and spiritual importance in Zimbabwean music.
- Materials: Wooden board or box, metal tines
- Number of tines: Usually 15-17, but can vary
- Tuning: Diatonic or pentatonic scale
- Range: Usually two octaves, but can vary
- Playing technique: Plucking with thumbs or fingers
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713votesThe jitonge is a plucked string instrument that is commonly used in Zimbabwean music. It is similar to a guitar but has a distinct sound.The Jitonge is a popular traditional instrument in Zimbabwe. It is a type of hand drum that is played by striking the drumhead with the hands. The drum is made from a hollowed-out log or a wooden frame covered with animal skin, typically from a cow or goat. The Jitonge is known for its resonant and rhythmic sound, making it an essential element in traditional Zimbabwean music. It is often played during cultural ceremonies, rituals, and festivals.
- Origin: Zimbabwe
- Type: Hand drum
- Materials: Hollowed-out log or wooden frame, animal skin (cow or goat)
- Sound: Resonant and rhythmic
- Playing technique: Played by striking the drumhead with the hands
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89votesNhare is a percussion instrument made of animal hides stretched over a wooden frame. It is used in traditional Shona music and is played during important ceremonies and events.The 'Nhare' is a traditional instrument from Zimbabwe. It belongs to the family of mbira instruments, which are commonly used in the Shona culture. The 'Nhare' is a thumb piano, similar to the well-known 'mbira dzavadzimu'. It is played by plucking metal keys with the thumbs, while the other fingers support the instrument.
- Type: Thumb piano
- Family: Mbira instruments
- Origin: Zimbabwe
- Playing technique: Plucking the metal keys with thumbs
- Supporting fingers: Other fingers support the instrument
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95votesChigamba is a traditional instrument that is commonly used in Zimbabwean music. It is a 22-stringed instrument that is plucked like a harp.Chigamba is a traditional Zimbabwean instrument that belongs to the idiophone family. It is a thumb piano or mbira, consisting of wooden soundboard and metal keys or tines. The instrument is played with thumbs, plucking or striking the keys to produce melodic and rhythmic patterns.
- Classification: Idiophone
- Type: Thumb piano or mbira
- Materials: Wooden soundboard, metal keys
- Playing Technique: Thumb plucking or striking
- Sound Generation: Vibrating metal keys
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104votesThe Mbira Dza Vadzimu is a special type of mbira that is used in the spiritual ceremonies of the Shona people. It is believed to connect the living with the spirits of their ancestors.The Mbira Dza Vadzimu is a traditional instrument from Zimbabwe. It is a thumb piano with a rich cultural history and spiritual significance in the Shona community.
- Design: Handheld thumb piano with a wooden soundboard and metal keys.
- Size: Approximately 20-30 centimeters in length.
- Keys: Usually made from metal or bamboo strips, ranging from 22 to 28 in number.
- Tuning: The keys are tuned to specific pitches, often in a pentatonic scale.
- Sound: Produces a mesmerizing and ethereal sound when the metal keys are plucked or struck with thumbs.
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Ranking factors for popular traditional instrument
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Historic and cultural significanceThe instrument's cultural and historical importance to the people of Zimbabwe.
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Musical versatilityThe instrument's ability to play a wide range of rhythms and melodies.
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AccessibilityThe ease with which the instrument is available and accessible to people across Zimbabwe.
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PopularityThe instrument's current popularity among contemporary Zimbabwean musicians and audiences.
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Skills and proficiencyThe level of skill and proficiency required to play the instrument well.
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Innovation and creativityThe instrument's ability to inspire new musical styles and innovation in Zimbabwean music.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular traditional instrument in Zimbabwe. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or instrument is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1519 views
- 160 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each instrument once every 24 hours. The rank of each instrument is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular traditional instrument in zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a country rich in cultural heritage, and its traditional music is a significant part of its identity. The country has a diverse range of traditional instruments, each with its unique sound and history. However, one instrument that stands out as the most popular in Zimbabwe is the mbira.
The mbira is a type of thumb piano that consists of a wooden board with metal keys attached to it. The player plucks the keys with their thumbs while holding the instrument in their hands. The mbira is considered a spiritual instrument and is often used in traditional ceremonies to communicate with the ancestors.
The instrument has a rich history in Zimbabwe, with its origins dating back to the 10th century. It has been passed down through generations and is still used in contemporary music today. The mbira has gained popularity both locally and internationally, with many artists incorporating it into their music.
If you're interested in learning more about Zimbabwean traditional music, the mbira is a great place to start. Its unique sound and cultural significance make it a true gem of Zimbabwean heritage.
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