The kalimba, family of lamellophones, is a musical instrument from Africa. Its appearance is very old, it seems to date from 1000 BC. This would involve models with bamboo reeds.

Where do kalimbas originate?

The thumb piano, also known as a kalimba or mbira (or many other names), is an instrument originating in Africa.

Who invented kalimbas?

In the mid 1950s mbira instruments were the basis for the development of the kalimba, a westernized version designed and marketed by the ethnomusicologist Hugh Tracey, leading to a great expansion of its distribution outside Africa.