Instrument Building And Repair Project

Participants

45

Editions

2

Countries

5

Trainers

7

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The formalisation and professionalisation of instrument-making in Africa

The overarching objective of Music In Africa Foundation’s Instrument Building and Repair (IBR) project is to encourage the formalisation and professionalisation of instrument-making and repair in Africa, especially in relation to indigenous African instruments. This project has enabled the Foundation to train young people to make instruments, while providing online tutorials to a wider audience across the continent. The programme also includes performances and public dialogues around African instruments.

highlights

The revival of the umakhweyana and ugubhu

By Thobekile ‘Ntomb’Yelanga’ Mbanda

In a conversation with my Grade 6 students, I asked them what they thought of Indigenous musical instruments. They eagerly...

‘The healing power of marimba’: How instrument is unlocking potential of special needs students

By Joan Lithgow

Music has long been recognised for its therapeutic value, offering emotional, cognitive, and physical benefits to individuals of all ages. Among...

Mbira music and spirituality in Zimbabwe – learning the living tradition

Nearly 20 years ago, I met an old man, VaMoyo, on the streets of Mkoba in Gweru district, Zimbabwe, while walking and playing my nyunga nyunga mbira. He stopped and struck up a conversation,...

Lebowa: Dancing to the heartbeat of the drum

By Tsosheletso Chidi

Lebowa means north, as in a direction, a place, and a name that carries pride for the Bapedi people. To say lebowa is to claim our roots in...

Mpho Molikeng: The role of traditional instruments in shaping African musical identity

Mpho Molikeng is a multifaceted artist from Lesotho who has built a distinguished career as a curator, musician, actor, cultural activist, and entrepreneur.

MIAF opens African instruments exhibition in Johannesburg

The Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF), in partnership with the University of Johannesburg (UJ), on Friday 21 February, opened an exhibition of indigenous African instruments at the university’s...