The kalimba, with its Bantu name, is the descendant of an ancient African instrument called an mbira, which may date back to the civilization of Great Zimbabwe.
Thumb pianos are held in both hands and played with the thumbs. The hand position resembles the hold and operation used by the young with smart phones.
The first time I heard this instrument played was in the early seventies in Central Africa Imports on West Fourth Avenue. I lived only a couple of blocks away, and used to come to Tom and Alvina's shop to look at the Makonde sculptures and colorful clothing and also to smell the exotic oils of patchouli, frangipani and sandalwood.
Tom used to work for the National Museum of Tanzania. I loved listening to his stories and enjoyed hearing him play various thumb pianos he had brought back with him.
His wife Alvina used to take orders for daishikis and loose shirts made from wonderful cloth she had acquired while living abroad: Dutch Java prints and striped Indian cottons. To defray the cost of a top-of-the-line Bernina sewing machine I'd just bought, I offered to do some of the sewing.
Over time, Alvina and I formed a strong bond of friendship that lasted through Tom's death shortly after they retired to Salt Spring Island to her own passing when she was in her eighties. By then I knew her very well.
Every time I hear a thumb piano, I remember Tom, and the many hours I spent in the shop. These small and simple instruments are amazingly versatile. Here is a delightful kalimba solo by SaReGaMa.
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