Hugh Tracey was an important twentieth century ethnomusicologist. He and his wife collected and archived music from Southern and Central Africa. He began making field recordings of music in the early 20's, through the 70's. He developed an instrument called the Kalimba. According to his grandson Devon, the Englishman arrived in South Africa in the 1920's and immediately became fascinated with the local culture. He was particularly interested in the Mbira, an instrument found nowhere else in the ...
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Hugh Tracey was an important twentieth century ethnomusicologist. He and his wife collected and archived music from Southern and Central Africa. He began making field recordings of music in the early 20's, through the 70's. He developed an instrument called the Kalimba. According to his grandson Devon, the Englishman arrived in South Africa in the 1920's and immediately became fascinated with the local culture. He was particularly interested in the Mbira, an instrument found nowhere else in the world. In his efforts to spread awareness of the Africa’s vast musical heritage, he created an adaptation of the Mbira known as the Kalimba. The Kalimba, which literally translates to “little music”, was designed so that it could be learned and appreciated internationally. Hugh created the Kalimba so that its melodies and harmonies would be more suited for the western tradition of music. Made from an African hardwood, with notes made out of European spring steel, the Kalimba is known for its tranquil and enchanting sounds.
