Matepe

A Zimbabwean matepe

The matepe is a type of lamellophone played in North-Eastern Zimbabwe. It is primarily played by the Kore-Kore people which is a subgroup of the Shona people.

It is one of the five main types of mbira played in Zimbabwe, and is sometimes also called hera.

The matepe has a different playing style than other mbira in that it uses both thumbs and both index fingers. Four or five independent melodies are played simultaneously in traditional matepe music. The traditional music is used for spirit possession ceremonies, known in Zimbabwe as a bira ceremony.

References

• Tracey, Andrew. (1970). The Matepe Mbira music of Rhodesia. J. African Music Society, 4:4, 37-61. Available at: International Library of African Music and [1]

External links

• Available recordings of the matepe: The International Library of African Music has many field recordings dating back to the mid-1950s. Those recordings are being rereleased on Roots World records.
• Chake Chawasarira: Magore-Kore.
• Rattletree Matepe discussion forum