ZIMSEC O Level · Musical Arts · Form 1, Form 2, Form 3
Traditional instruments
- Mbira (dzavadzimu and nyunga nyunga): metal keys on a wooden board, often in a deze (gourd resonator); central to Shona spiritual ceremonies (bira). The art of making and playing the mbira is on UNESCO's intangible heritage list.
- Marimba: wooden keys over resonators, played with beaters.
- Ngoma/isigubhu (drums): carved wood with animal skin heads; lead and supporting drums.
- Hosho: gourd shakers that keep the beat with mbira.
- Others: chipendani (mouth bow), uta, horns, rattles worn on the legs (magagada/amahlwayi), whistles.
Traditional music and dance
Music accompanies ceremonies, work, celebrations and storytelling.
- Mbende Jerusarema (on UNESCO's intangible heritage list), Mhande, Muchongoyo, Dinhe.
- Ndebele dances such as Isitshikitsha and Amabhiza; Tonga Ngoma Buntibe from Binga.
Popular music
Chimurenga music (Thomas Mapfumo), sungura, jiti, Zimbabwean gospel, Afro-jazz, urban grooves and Zimdancehall.
Features
Call and response, polyrhythm (several rhythms at once), repetition with variation, improvisation, and the link between music, dance and community participation.
Exam tip: Name a specific instrument, its classification and how it is played – this earns full marks.
Check yourself
- Which instrument is central to the Shona bira ceremony?
- What is the role of hosho in mbira music?
- Name one Zimbabwean dance on UNESCO's intangible heritage list.
Show answers
- The mbira (dzavadzimu).
- They keep the steady beat and add rhythm.
- Mbende Jerusarema.
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