In modern terms, the kalimba is basically a modern Westernized version of the OG Zimbabwean instrument, the mbira. You use your fingers to pluck metal keys.
In Africa
Mbira are used for ceremonies, weddings, and other events. Traditionally, two or more mbira are accompanied by shakers called hosho. The most popular type is mbira dzavadzimu, or "voice of the ancestors".
In modern culture
Introduced outside of Zimbabwe by Hugh Tracey, kalimbas are now renowned for their soothing tone. It even appears in Minecraft's OST.
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| Hc | Cd | Cl | F | R | G | L | Ly | ||||||||||
| Ce | Vb | Ch | W | Oc | Ou | M | V | ||||||||||
| O | A | Hu | Vi | Ga | T | Tb | Tu | Fg | E | Sx | Ob | Kh | Ny | Pp | Eg | Ba | Vl |
| Ep | Eo | Ml | Gk | Ma | Cn | Ci | Wt | Th | Sr | Kz | Ca | Dk | Bs | Sh | Bk | D | C |
| S | Tm | Om | Hg | X | Sl | Op | Sp | Fh | Bu | Me | B | Sn | Bp | Cp | Au | Z | Bg |
| Tt | Fl | Ab | Ft | Ot | Oi | St | Sb | Ctt | Yi | Hm | Vo | Bx | Up | Sr | U | Sw | Db |
| † | Tp | Tbl | Bl | Lp | Pn | Hd | Be | Td | K | Rtt | Gg | Wb | Cu | Jh | Vs |
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| ‡ | Bd | Tk | Tab | Sn | Bh | Cg | Bo | Cy | Tg | Tn | Mr | Wp | Cv | Gr | My |