Instrument Building And Repair Project

Participants

45

Editions

2

Countries

5

Trainers

7

Vibrations 3D exhibition

Vibrations catalogue

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The formalisation and professionalisation of instrument-making in Africa

The overarching objective of Music In Africa Foundation’s Instrument Building and Repair (IBR) project is to encourage the formalisation and professionalisation of instrument-making and repair in Africa, especially in relation to indigenous African instruments. This project has enabled the Foundation to train young people to make instruments, while providing online tutorials to a wider audience across the continent. The programme also includes performances and public dialogues around African instruments.

highlights

The revival of uhadi and umrhubhe in urban South Africa

By Geoffrey ‘Diver’ Smuts

After decades of scarcity and obscurity, southern African musical bows are making a comeback. This seems to be especially true of...

Seckou Keita: Kora is a living memory – a bridge between past and future

The kora, a mesmerising 21-string harp-lute, is at the heart of West African musical tradition. With its intricate melodies and rhythmic depth, it tells stories of history, culture, and identity...

Farai Matake: Crafting African legacy, one indigenous music instrument at a time

Farai Matake has made it his mission to preserve and promote Africa’s traditional musical heritage. Since...

The revival of the umakhweyana and ugubhu

By Thobekile ‘Ntomb’Yelanga’ Mbanda

In a conversation with my Grade 6 students, I asked them what they thought of Indigenous musical instruments. They eagerly...

‘The healing power of marimba’: How instrument is unlocking potential of special needs students

By Joan Lithgow

Music has long been recognised for its therapeutic value, offering emotional, cognitive, and physical benefits to individuals of all ages. Among...

Mbira music and spirituality in Zimbabwe – learning the living tradition

Nearly 20 years ago, I met an old man, VaMoyo, on the streets of Mkoba in Gweru district, Zimbabwe, while walking and playing my nyunga nyunga mbira. He stopped and struck up a conversation,...