Intro: A Twist on the Keys’ Fate
Beautifully varnished wood shines in the gleam of sunlight, basking in the warmth of the hot and humid weather of the west coast towards Cameroon. Cameroon is a country in Central Africa, sandwiched between Nigeria and the Central African Republic. As the sun rises upon the horizon, blessing us with its gentle embrace, the metal keys that lay upon the rectangular wooden box seem to nearly glitter.
When I first heard of the ‘kalimba,’ I was starstruck by its name. ‘Kalimba’— such a simple name, yet the syllables roll right off of your tongue. I first encountered the instrument when I saw a rather unconventional and contemporary YouTube video with the kalimba as the protagonist.
The video itself was presented on the channel Sandrah Araja, which was playing Melanie Martinez’s song, Playdate. The kalimba presented in the video was from a company called Kimi Kalimba. It was made out of clear acrylic rather than the conventional wood. Not only did its intriguing name, kalimba, attract me, but its ‘aesthetic’ as well. However, upon further research, I discovered that the kalimba has quite a rich history.
Interlude: The Opening Ceremony by the Keys
The kalimba, also known as the ‘thumb piano,’ has two theorized places of origin. One is the west coast of Cameroon, where it was originally called the likembe, sanza, or senza. When the kalimba was first created in Cameroon 3,000 years ago, it was said to have had wooden, rather than metal, keys — unlike today.
The other theorized place of origin is Zambezi, 1,300 years ago.If the kalimba was first created in Zambezi, it already was adorned with the metal strips that we know of today.
However, despite its complicated origins, it’s confirmed that the kalimba has been around since at least the Late Iron Age, between 400 to 800 C.E. Its place of origin is theorized to be Sub-Saharan Africa.
Similar to how lutes and harps were instruments fit for kings in European culture, the kalimba was just as valuable in Sub-Saharan Africa. The kalimba was also used to communicate stories, and used by mediums to enter mystical trances and communicate with deceased ancestors. It is played at public gatherings such as ceremonies, rituals, weddings or in intimate family settings where stories are passed on.
The reason as to why it is so difficult to pinpoint exactly when the kalimba was created is due to Africa’s complex history, as well as the fact that the only records we have are in European explorers’ journals, which may be biased. According to the earliest known record of the kalimba, made by the Portuguese explorer and missionary Father Dos Santos, the instrument was originally a 9-tined design. Many musicians in Africa would grow out their fingernails so that they would be able to play this beautiful instrument in the kings’ courts.
According to Gerhard Kubik, in his book Kalimba, Nsandi, Mbira: Lamellophone in Afrika (1998), the kalimba was actually invented two times in Africa. As mentioned, Cameroon was where the kalimba had its bamboo-like material as keys. These bamboo kalimbas are very rare to see nowadays, and aren’t on the market either.
By the time the kalimbas with the metal keys were thought of in Zambezi, the European conquistadors had already gained control over Africa. The African people were skilled in smelting and using iron to their whim, but they were often discouraged from using it for their own wishes. Because of this, the metal-tined kalimbas were often created from nails, bicycle spokes, and other scrap pieces of metal.
Verse: How the Keys Spread throughout the World
When I first encountered the kalimba, I had been under the impression that its community was a niche one and unknown. After all, most of us are unfamiliar with the instrument due to the fact that the way the instrument presents itself is very striking. But as seen from the prior interlude, and as will be proven within this verse, the kalimba not only has a rich and insightful history, but a global impact.
My earliest childhood memory of music class had been in elementary school, when Ms. Russell was in charge of a room with 20 keyboards, all meant to be played as the students stood up. The classroom was colorful, with vibrant blocks of letters and numbers scattered across the room. To this day, musical education remains important to the children of our generation, as it provides an indirect way to teach them articulation, intonation, as well as artistic expression.
The kalimba was first brought to America by the Spanish, around the 1960s — the same time when the hippie movement was gaining popularity. The hippie movement, largely inspired by anti-war propaganda, was known for introducing alternative lifestyles, as well as a rejection of what was the ‘norm.’ Because of this, the kalimba was well embraced.
One of the most famous kalimba players in America was Maurice White, a famous artist who was active from 1962 to 2016. He was someone that inspired many to pick up the kalimba and try to play, whether it was after their retirement, or simply within the spur of the moment. Maurice White was an active member of Earth, Wind, and Fire, the band that struck the entire American population by bringing light to previously traditional music such as jazz, blues, R&B, pop, gospel, African roots, funk, and deep soul.
“Maurice White accomplished a lot in his life, imagining a sound and working to achieve it, imagining a positive message and living to realize it, celebrating blackness and African-ness without excluding others. Maurice White helped break down the walls of prejudice and racism in a soft and beautiful way,” wrote Mark Holdaway in a blog called Kalimba Magic.
But the kalimba didn’t just make an impact in America. In fact, across the Atlantic Ocean, the kalimba also gained popularity in Türkiye for musical education.
Prior to the introduction of the kalimba, children in Türkiye were taught music with the soprano recorder – the familiar recorder that I’m sure many of us were taught to play back in elementary school.
The soprano recorder was meant to be an accompanying instrument for the students to learn the proper pitches and sounds of the notes. However, the soprano recorder had its drawbacks. For instance, the soprano recorder was unable to teach the students how to harmonize, with its inability to be polyphonic. In other words, the soprano recorder is incapable of playing chords, as it is only able to sustain a single note at a time.
When the kalimba was first introduced to the music teachers of Türkiye, it was affordable and convenient to carry around from classroom to classroom. Furthermore, the kalimba made up for the one flaw of the soprano recorder: it was polyphonic. By plucking two keys at the same time on the kalimba, students could harmonize and learn which tune to use to create beautiful melodies!
Pre-chorus: The Legend Behind the Keys
As mentioned, the kalimba’s impact is global. In this pre-chorus, I’ll be dividing each mythological tale of the keys by global region.
In Africa, it is said that the kalimba was involved in the creation of the world. Others also claim that the kalimba was a gift from the gods so that the African people could communicate with each other across tribes, enabling for stories to remain significant and alive in their community. Another myth entails that kalimbas were scattered across the African continent on top of the seven mountains, encouraging the tribes to find them for peace and tranquility, so that the people within the continent remained pacific.
The kalimba also held significance in Ancient China. It is said that during the Qin Dynasty (221–206 B.C.E.), during which China held significant influence over Asia, the Chinese emperor claimed that the kalimba should be considered the eighth treasure amongst the seven wonders of the world. Another myth claims that the kalimba had the ability to allow sorcerers to communicate with the underworld’s spirits that haunted ancient temples.
Ancient Polynesian myths, similarly, claimed that the kalimba gave people the power to speak to spirits of the underworld, and that it served as a bridge between the underworld and the real world. Some polynesian islanders also are under the impression that they have heard invisible choirs singing along to the tunes of the kalimba.
To Native Americans, the kalimba was believed to have originated from the mubvaropa. They claimed that the kalimba was connected to a sacred tree that conveyed the desires and needs of their ancestors. Again, like the ancient Polynesian and Chinese myths, Native American myths claimed that the kalimba tied the souls of the underworld and the real world together, uniting the two.
Chorus: A Variety of Keys
Unexpectedly, like the violin, guitar, and piano, the kalimba also comes in various types, such as the electric guitar and acoustic guitar, with different variations to suit different styles.
The wood that the kalimba is made from can cause a huge difference. I compare this to my own experiences when I play the violin, as the type of wood can produce either a very rich, or a very smooth, sleek sound. Similarly, the type of wood matters for the kalimba as it is through the wood that it is able to make the echoing vibrations that captivate the listeners. These wooden kalimbas are often paired with ivory keys, which produce authentic, genuine, and warm sounds that fills the soul. These wooden kalimbas are often the most prized out of all the other kalimbas, as the kalimba players and collectors are mesmerized by its awe-inspiring sounds.
On the other hand, steel kalimbas are more easily accessible for beginners. The material is definitely different from a wood and ivory kalimba, but it’s also different in the way it is built. Steel kalimbas hold strings through the small hole in the body of the kalimba, and are better for producing higher pitches.
Metal kalimbas are made from aluminum, and are distinguishable by their bright, metallic sounds. These kalimbas are the best for beginners out of all types of kalimbas. They’re also the more light, transportable instruments.
Aside from the type of material that the kalimba is made from, there are also different shapes of kalimbas. For instance, there are box kalimbas, in which the sound resonates simply through the hollow wood of the instrument. Box kalimbas have a vibrato hole, allowing for the sound to echo through more easily. These kalimbas can also be referred to as ‘hollow’ kalimbas, or sometimes even the ‘resonant box.’ These are more popular with beginners as the instrument is easier to play, with the player only needing to pluck the keys with their thumbs.
The board kalimbas, on the other hand, do not have a vibrato hole. While the sound may not travel as easily for the board kalimba, its timbre is better. Timbre refers to the kalimba’s unique sound when it plays a note. An example of timbre would be the way the guitar and piano may sound different, even when they are playing the same note. Additionally, board kalimbas allow for better treble, which refers to the higher range of the musical notes.
Other kalimbas will also have a different number of keys. This simply changes the range that the particular kalimba can play. In total, there are either 8, 17, 21, or 34 keys. 17 keys are the best for beginners, as these kalimbas are the ones with the most popular songs. Most of these kalimbas, regardless of the number of keys, will be tuned to the C major scale.
Bridge: How to Unlock The Keys
Each kalimba key is meant to play a singular note. As mentioned, most kalimbas are tuned to the C major scale. The kalimba is easy to play in that it can be played by simply the thumbs, and each note is assigned a number.
So let’s learn how to play!
First, how do you tune a kalimba?
Unless you automatically have perfect pitch, you will need to download a tuner app on your device, like a phone or computer in order to be able to distinguish whether the notes are of correct intonation. Intonation refers to accuracy in pitch of an instrument.
The middle key, often labeled with a ‘1’ at the bottom of the tine, is C. If the note is flat according to the tuner, then you will need to use your kalimba hammer and tap the tine upwards. On the other hand, if the note is sharp, then you will need to tap the tine downwards using the kalimba hammer.
You should follow this process with the rest of the kalimba keys.
So, let’s get playing. How do you play the kalimba?
First, you’re going to want to hold the kalimba with both hands. Position it so that the bottom rests comfortably in your palms, with your thumbs free to move over the tines. Hold the kalimba like you would a small, handheld speaker, with your fingers gently wrapping around the sides for support. The tines should face upward, and the instrument should sit securely in your hands.
The hardest part about mastering the kalimba is being able to adjust to the fact that the ascending notes of C, D, E, F, G, A, B, and C are alternating.
From the middle C of the kalimba, the D will then be placed on the key to the right. The E note, however, rather than being placed on the right of the D key like a traditional piano, is actually placed on the left of the C key.
If you’re playing a box kalimba, make sure that you’re not covering the two holes at the back as you grip the instrument with both hands.
Once you know how to pluck the tines of the instrument, you can play any song of your choice!
What’s great about the kalimba is that while there are kalimba tabs, which are specialized sheet music that shows where to press on the tines using symbols or numbers that can be difficult for beginners to read, there are also simply numerically written out sheets that allow the musician to simply look at the numbers on the kalimba and follow along.
For instance, Dandelions, a song by the artist Ruth B., is a popular song for contemporary kalimba musicians to play. The notes for Dandelions are:
5 (6° – 4) 5° 3° 3° 2° 3° 2° (6 – 1°)
6° 5° 3° 3° 2° 2° 1° 1°
1° 6 1° 2° 3° 2° 1° 3°
6 1° 2° 3° 2° 1° 2°
5 (6° – 6) 5° 3° 3° 2° 3° 2° (6 – 1°)
6° 5° 3° 3° 2° 2° 1°
6 1° 2° 3° 2° 1° 3°
6 1° 2° 3° 2° 1° (5-7-2°)
5 (6° – 4) 5° 3° 3° 2° 3° 2° (6 – 1°)
6° 5° 3° 3° 2° 2° 1° 1°
Did you try it? If you did, you may have learned that the dashes across two notes symbolize a chord! In order to play a chord on the kalimba, simply pluck two tines at the same time.
Outro: Farewell to the Keys
The kalimba, with its vibrant history and diverse forms, is more than just an instrument. It’s a bridge connecting cultures, generations, and stories. From its origins in the heart of Africa to its modern-day popularity across the globe, the kalimba embodies a rich tapestry of musical expression and cultural significance.
This enchanting instrument has transcended borders, finding its place in classrooms, homes, and stages worldwide. Its ability to evoke emotions and foster connections makes it a unique tool for storytelling and communication. Each pluck of the tines not only produces sound but also echoes the voices of those who came before, reminding us of the shared human experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a curious beginner, embracing the kalimba invites you to partake in this legacy. So, let the keys resonate in your hands and your heart, and allow the melodies to inspire your journey. As we bid farewell to the keys for now, remember that their music will always be a part of us— an eternal reminder of the beauty and unity that music brings to our lives.
This enchanting instrument has transcended borders, finding its place in classrooms, homes, and stages worldwide. Its ability to evoke emotions and foster connections makes it a unique tool for storytelling and communication. Each pluck of the tines not only produces sound but also echoes the voices of those who came before, reminding us of the shared human experience.