The mbira is also known as the thumb piano, because one's thumbs are used to pluck (or more accurately depress and release) the metal strips ( tongues or lamellas) that sound particular notes. The name mbira is more commonly used in Zimbabwe, while the name Kalimba is used in Kenya, the name ikembe is used in Rhuanda, and the name likembe is used in the Congo, while other names are bit less common such as sanza, sansa, marimba, marimbula, there are more generic names of finger harp, gourd piano, and thumb piano that are often used in the West. They vary widely in appearance, size, materials, and tuning from the smallest 6- note models of the Kalahari Bushmen, to the sophisticated 33- note instrument found in Zimbabwe. Many versions of the mbira exist with tribes creating distinctive performance styles and names for the instrument. It is not uncommon for the native African instruments to allow solo harmonization, but typically, harmony in African music serves as a variation to the theme being performed. Although it can be a solo instrument, it is more commonly used as an accompaniment to singers, musicians and dancers. The Kalimba or Mbira has been an important instrument in sub-Saharan Africa and has played a part in African culture for 800 years.
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