Zimpapers Logo

Uganda Martyrs Parish youths showcasing the new marimba instrument

Pamenus Tuso
TRADITIONAL musical instruments manufacturer, Nkululeko Ndlovu, has designed a new marimba musical instrument set which fuses tenor, soprano and baritone tunes.

The new instrument, which is expected to be unveiled in Bulawayo next month, is an upgraded version of the common three-piece marimba musical instrument.

“This new marimba instrument is a departure from the ordinary marimba which has different tunes on different set pieces. Through my own innovations, I’ve managed to, not only combine three tunes in one instrument, but also managed to reduce the playing keys from 62 to 41,” Ndlovu said.

The new instrument can be played by three people, compared to the initial six who were required to play the three-piece marimba instrument.

“Unlike the ordinary marimba, the new instrument has lower keys which makes it easier for young musicians to sing and play it at the same time.”

To promote the marimba instrument, Ndlovu recently donated one to youths at Uganda Martyrs Catholic Church in Luveve, where he is also a parishioner.

“We’re training church youths who have been playing the new instrument at church weddings and functions. The response from the public has been fantastic,” Ndlovu said.

Father Syden Ngwenya, the Priest in charge of the church, said: “With this new instrument, our youth church choir is now able to play and sing any tune they want comfortably.

“This innovation is a musical milestone in our church and we salute Ndlovu for coming up with such a brilliant piece.”

Ndlovu and his late father established the Nongoma Marimba and Mbira Manufactures Company in July 2003 following his father’s retirement from the United College of Education (UCE) in Bulawayo where he worked for many years as head of the music workshop.

The project started with the two and a family friend, Bheki Moyo, transforming wooden boards, fire glass and lengths of plastic and metal turning them into neat musical instruments at their Luveve house.

Although the company’s flagship products are Marimba and Mbira, the company also makes a wide range of traditional musical instruments which include drums and percussions. The products are sold locally with some being exported to Europe.

A six-piece musical set of marimba instruments costs $2,600 while a mbira piece costs $90. On a good day, Ndlovu said, he and his workers are capable of producing more than five pieces of mbira.

“Demand for the instruments is extremely high. I’ve made mbira instruments for prominent musicians like Oliver Mtukudzi and the late Chiwoniso Maraire. I inherited all my skills from my late father,” said the father of three.

Ndlovu, who is also a talented marimba and mbira player, has travelled the world conducting traditional musical instruments making workshops and seminars. He hopes to open a college where he will train people to make traditional music instruments.