The mbira is a mystical form of music of the Shona people of Zimbabwe and is considered to have the power to provide comfort to all who experience it.
The African American Mbira Project (AAMP) aims to introduce, support and perpetuate the music of the mbira of Zimbabwe within the African American community of the US.
The mbira is an instrument and a musical culture conceptualized by the Shona people of Zimbabwe. It is a unique form of music with a rich history which can be traced back well over 1000 years. However, due to historical and systemic processes, this instrument is far more common in the non-African American community in the US, and remains the only form of African music in the US to exist largely outside of the African American community. Therefore, our focus is to provide a platform which will enable more African Americans to gain access to this tradition and to foster its dissemination.
Our intention is to achieve this in two ways:
Community Learning Opportunities
We will provide one-on-one or group mbira instruction within the San Francisco Bay Area community, as well as online classes for those in other parts of the US. In addition, we aim to sponsor local residencies with master teachers from Zimbabwe. Our long-term goal is to coordinate travel to Zimbabwe for interested members to study the tradition at the place of its origin.
Mbira in the Schools
Our intention is to train music teacher in Afro-centric schools in the mbira, develop a curricula on the cultures and peoples of Southern Africa, and to provide these schools with enough instruments so that their students can learn the music of Zimbabwe. We plan to encourage partnerships in which American schools will have a “sister school” in Zimbabwe.
The African American Mbira Project is a subdivision of the Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance.
LEARN TO PLAY THE MUSIC OF THE ANCESTORS
Learn the tradition and technique of this ancient healing art, including how to play basic songs, how to lead, and how to follow. Through this practice you will also learn Shona singing, and be introduced to the Shona spiritual worldview.
Contact us for more information: info@mahea.com.
ON SALE NOW
An introductory guide to the mbira: the spiritual traditions, historical perspectives, and practical applications of a sacred Zimbabwean instrument. In this accessible overview steeped in history and tradition, teacher and student Māhealani Uchiyama offers insights for learning about the mbira and actively engaging with it in an informed and respectful way.
The mbira is made of a wooden soundboard and hammered metal keys. It can be played solo or accompanied by singing, clapping, dancing, percussion, or other mbira. In traditional Zimbabwean culture, the mbira is a spiritual practice that bridges worlds: for example, the realm of the ancestors and of healing energies with the worlds of the living.
Supplemented with 32 images and glossary of terms, this book helps readers understand:
- The mbira’s special roles within the lamellaphone instrument family
- Relevant Zimbabwean and African cultural, historical, and spiritual perspectives
- Ways the mbira can become a connection point for people severed from their African roots
- How appropriation and commodification have contributed to the mbira’s popularization around the world
- Codes of conduct for respectfully playing the mbira and for taking it up as a practice
“As one of the few female African-Americans who play Mbira, it is really important to hear her perspective of Mbira and how it has worked in her life.”
From the foreword by Patience Chaitezvi Munjeri, Gwenyambira
“This is an important introduction to Zimbabwean mbira music for those from other continents. If you are attracted to mbira music, but are unfamiliar with its history and cultural significance, and perhaps wonder whether it’s really OK for you to play it, this book will answer all your questions!”
Erica Azim
Executive Director, MBIRA (mbira.org)
IN THE NEWS
PRODUCTS
THE SKY THAT COVERS US ALL
This meditative album features the music of the mbira, an ancient, ceremonial instrument that has the power to foster comfort and healing for those who experience it.
Purchase singles here
NDORO DZE MADZINZA
Ndoro Dze Madzinza is a collection of mbira songs and an expression of appreciation for the richness and beauty Shona and Pan-African traditions.
Purchase singles here
HANDMADE BOOKMARKS AND MORE
Bookmarks and other handmade items are now available in the new Thandiwe Garden store.
Māhealani Uchiyama has studied Shona music for two decades both locally and in Zimbabwe. Her unique perspective on the mbira is informed by her status as an initiated priestess of Ifa, a spiritual tradition from West Africa.
Enjoy the beauty of Shona music and dance in the East Bay.
Maheaʻs mbira students practicing by the Bay