Where to start if you want to learn the Mbira
I started learning to play the Mbira a couple years ago. Thought I'd share some of the resources I've come across for anyone who is curious.
When I started, I looked into 2 types of Mbira, the Nhare and the Nyunganyunga. While the nyunganyunga seems easier to learn, I came to the conclusion that the Nhare is more interesting, with a deeper repertoire and more learning resources as well as more cultural significance.
I bought my instrument from Garikai Tirikoti, a master mbira maker and player located in Chitungwiza. I think his instruments hit the sweet spot of cost and quality. You can get cheaper or more expensive options. There are also many other makers of good instruments, with different sound characteristics. Tirikoti himself makes several 'tunings' of Mbira. The one I bought is a Nhemamusasa mbira, which is the most common starting point.
As for lessons, the Zimbabwe Mbira channel on YouTube is a great starting point. Learnmbira.com by Joel Laviolette also has excellent lessons. It's a paid site but he has been generous enough to make it free for Zimbabweans.
Mbira players like Tirikoti, Muda Magaya, Bezel Makombe (played for a long time with Mapfumo) etc also offer lessons and it's definitely the best way to learn if time and funds allow.
In the video above I am playing Mahororo.
