Mbira.org: Getting an mbira

Students who need to purchase an instrument in order to attend workshops, lessons, or Mbira Camps offered by MBIRA, and educational non-profit organizations such as schools and universities, may obtain mbiras from MBIRA.

Unfortunately, the IRS does not allow us to sell instruments to most of those not attending MBIRA-sponsored workshops or lessons, but contact us for recommendations on getting an mbira.

Most of the proceeds of mbira sales go to the Zimbabwean mbira maker, after shipping and importing expenses are deducted. If you know about a good Zimbabwean mbira maker, please let us know his name and address. At this time, MBIRA is ordering regularly from Fradreck Mujuru, Josephat Mandaza, Tute Chigamba, Leonard Chiyanike, Samson Bvure, Murawo Tembedza, Charles Ruhukwa, Gift Rushambwa, Newton Gwara, "Simboti" Rinos Mukuwurirwa, and Newtan Musa Chihota.

Tunings usually available include nyamaropa (several pitches: MBIRA workshop, G/marimba, "medium low", etc), mavembe (gandanga), Dambatsoko, katsanzaira, nemakonde, saungweme, and dongonda. You may special order these and other tunings.

MBIRA has organized a way for you to get a fiberglass deze (mbira resonator) directly by mail from a Zimbabwean grandmother (your support will provide school fees for AIDS orphans in her extended family):

Ambuya (grandmother) Soko will send you a fiberglass deze, direct from Zimbabwe. You may also add hosho or magavhu (leg rattles) to your order, as they will travel safely inside the deze.

16" diameter fiberglass deze $100.00
14" diameter fiberglass deze $80.00
Price includes air mail shipping, which takes 2-4 weeks to the US (no insurance, but all MBIRA's instruments are sent this way, and have so far arrived safely)

Add one pair hosho to order $40
Add one pair magavhu (leg rattles) to order $40

1. Email Chipo.Soko@interlife.co.zw (Ambuya Soko’s daughter) with your order - please specify color (black or natural tan), and size for your deze. Ask them to email you whether the item(s) you want are available before you proceed to 2.
2. AFTER you receive email confirmation that your order items are available currently, wire payment through Western Union to Mary Soko. A test question and answer will be required. You will need to email the money transfer number and the test question and answer to them, so they can pick up the money.
3. You will receive an email from the Sokos when your order is sent.

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Getting an Mbira