Kalimba

About the Sound and Character

The sound of the kalimba resembles a musical box chime—crystal clear, dripping, soothing, and fragile. The instrument generates soft overtones with proven relaxing and therapeutic effects.

Structure and Features

It consists of a wooden body (often hollow with a sound hole) and a row of metal keys (lamellae) of varying lengths fixed to a bridge. The kalimba is played by plucking the keys with the thumbs of both hands.

Genres

• Traditional African music
• Ambient, lo-fi (lo-fi hip-hop), and relaxation music
• Indie pop and acoustic covers