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http://www.X8Drums.com We are excited to now be offering the Zimbabwean Mbira, a small instrument with a powerful tranquility. To watch a performance demo by Joel of this mbira go here: http://youtu.be/yovZ6G5ZMuc

To purchase this exact mbira, click here: http://www.x8drums.com/Kalimba-Tuned-Mbira-Dzavadzimu-p/rt-mbira-hnt.htm

Joel plays traditional Zimbabwean style music, particularly the marimba, matepe and the mbira. Joel's mbira, seen in the video, was handmade by his instructor in Zimbabwe, Newton Gwara (aka Matemai). While there are five main types of mbiras in Zimbabwe, this one is the mbira dzavadzimu with a high Nyamaropa tuning. What's cool about this tuning is that it makes the mbira in tune with higher kalimbas, enabling percussionists to play the regular mbira along with kalimbas in orchestral style.

Every mbira instrument is a one-of-a-kind piece. This handmade mbira is made from beautiful Mukwa wood that Matemai reclaimed from old school desks from the '20s and '30s. The detailed craftsmanship of Joel's mbira features two pieces of wood joined together by a third piece of wood placed between the two main pieces.

Featured in video: Professional Zimbabwean Percussionist, Joel Laviolette