The Mbira is dated back to the time of the Great Zimbabwe where the Shona people are said to have originated from. It is a cultural instrument closely linked to the traditional music of the Shona people.
It is believed that the Mbira was mostly played during a spiritual possession ceremony where a special song was selected to welcome the deceased persons spirit back to the family.
Today the instrument is used by some Zimbabwean artists for its unique tune and to revive the African tradition and originality. It is played by others to tell their story or just folk tales for example Ephat Mujuru, a Mbira master. It is said to be an extension of the people.
Many may be curious about how the instrument is played. The Mbira is made out of a sound board where metal keys are attached. When playing the Mbira you use your left and right thumbs. Since the metal keys are of different lengths, the metals vibrate at different frequencies producing different sounds. A combination of multiple taping of the keys will result in a melody. Some may say its played like a piano or a keyboard.
The Mbira like the Marimba should be taught in schools as a way of preserving the cultural tradition.
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http://www.zambuko.com/mbirapage/resource_guide/pages/music/mbira_shona_spirit.html
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