Monday, January 8, 2007
The Kalimba as a Tool for Healing

If you have something beautiful you like to play on the kalimba, play it for someone who is sick or who needs some cheering up.

In some parts of Africa, kalimba-type instruments are rare. But in Zimbabwe, the mbira and similar instruments are deeply intertwined with the culture, to the point that bus drivers may let mbira players ride for free. There is a common understanding that playing the mbira will result in the spirits bringing you good things and protecting you from bad things. (From Paul F. Berliner's book The Soul of Mbira.)

Regardless of whether you believe in spirits and such things, I have seen a sick person's face light up in response to the music of the kalimba. Something this good and powerful must be shared.

 

 

 

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