kalimba

[kuh-lim-buh]

noun

1. mbira.

Word History and Origins

Origin of kalimba¹

1950–55; the instrument's name in a number of Bantu languages of East Africa, e.g., Bisa, Lala (Zambia), Tumbuka, Nyanja (Malawi); marimba

Example Sentences

Playing zither and kalimba, a solar-intense Laraaji unlocked sheafs of astounding, ethereal noise, an unintended, confident rebuke to what had been happening before his arrival.

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They’re working with tons of instruments here: analog synths, Fender Rhodes, digitally programmed percussion, baritone guitar, saxophones, kalimba.

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He scored the opening scenes, which paint a portrait of the vibrant, thriving Dahomey village, with African pastorale — bouncing a string orchestra along with a gentle groove on regional instruments including kalimba and kora.

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El’Zabar put down strong polyrhythms — sometimes at the drum kit, but more often with kalimba or cajón and a set of bells he attaches to his foot.

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Here’s a kalimba, an African thumb piano with metal tines that plink like a music box.

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