What is a kalimba?
The kalimba is an African musical instrument with a wooden soundboard and metal keys. The 15-key kalimba that we are making at Juma Instruments is an instrument that originates from African ethnic groups in Southern Africa. In the classification of musical instruments the kalimba is in the category of lamellophones or plucked idiophones (Hornbostel-Sachs system).
Kalimba is one of the names used for this 15-key African lamellophone. Other language varieties are Nyunga nyunga, Nyonga nyonga and Karimba. Karimba translates to “little wooden xylophone” and Nyunga nyunga translates to “something little that causes fun trouble”…
Variations of the kalimba are found all across Africa, for example in Zambia they play the Kankobela which has 7 to 12 keys. In Congo they play the Likembe which has 8 keys in pentatonic tuning.
The 15-key kalimba comes tuned in a major key. For players who would like to play more keys we are making the 19-key kalimba, which has got the same basic tuning and layout as the 15-key kalimba but with additional keys from the same scale. We can make different types of kalimba and tunings (minor or custom) on request. You are most welcome to contact us to discuss the options.
To view the kalimbas available go to our category: Kalimba / Nyunga nyunga
Juma Instruments are made by Zimbabwean instrument maker Dingiswayo Juma. They are quality and solid instruments that can last you a lifetime. All metal keys are hammered by hand and tuned with a tuner to ensure they are in pitch and can be played with other instruments. The soundboard is made of quality hardwood and artistically crafted into shape.
Examples of the tuning layout of the kalimba:
15-key kalimba in G major 19-key kalimba in F major
At Kalimbashop we have different models and types of kalimba and mbira instruments for sale. View our handcrafted kalimba instruments. If you want to know more or have any questions you can email us at [email protected].
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Kalimba & Nyunga Nyunga
Handmade kalimba nyunga nyunga instruments. The 15-key kalimba is standard tuned in a major key and there is the option to choose a minor key. For players wanting more keys, we have the 19-key kalimba. The 19-key kalimba has got the same basic tuning and layout as the 15-key kalimba but with additional keys. We offer chromatic kalimba in our chromatic instruments section. Custom and other tunings are available upon request, contact us for more information.
The kalimba instrument originates from southern Africa. Juma Instruments are made by Zimbabwean instrument maker Dingiswayo Juma. They are quality and solid instruments. Every metal kalimba key is hammered by hand and fully tuned.
