The mbira isn’t just an instrument. For Zimbabweans it’s traditionally used in ceremonies to connect with their ancestors so that they can offer advice and guidance. It’s used in something like southern African trance music, a repetitive chiming over light percussion and sometimes a bit of chanting. Traditionally used by the Zezuru tribes of the Shona people, it has 22 to 28 keys mounted on a wood soundboard. The instrument is then placed in a gourd so that the sound can resonate.

Girls aren’t supposed to play mbira; it’s traditionally a guy-only deal in Zimbabwe. Women who pluck the metal with their thumbs are called “loose” and criticized or rejected by their community. Stella Chiweshe didn’t care. She was determined to “talk” mbira no matter what and went on to become the most well known player of the instrument outside the country.

Chiweshe first picked-up the mbira in 1964 and by 1974 had released a hit-single. She went on to record numerous singles and albums before leaving the trouble that is present-day Zimbabwe. She now lives in Germany where she still plays and records.

Today’s track is off her latest album, Talking Mbira, and is a good example of the simple, repetitive and beautiful sounds that you find in her music.

Stella Chiweshe – Huvhimi