The ensemble aims to introduce students to the basic playing techniques of this ancient instrument as well as exposing them to traditional singing practices, hosho playing, and the traditional social and cultural context of the music.

Millie is also the founder of Mbira Blues, a UK forum that shares & connects traditional mbira musicians, mbira enthusiasts, academics & cultural activists, and is a key member of the Midlands arts & refugees network Celebrating Sanctuary Birmingham. Onstage: vocals, mbira, ngoma, hosho, storytelling

Hosho are the gourd rattles. The gourds are maranka, or dinosaur, gourds. They are filled with either hota, seeds from canna lilies, or popcorn. The hosho are traditionally played with Shona mbira music. Maine Marimba Ensemble’s instruments were built by …

Hosho, a pair of gourd rattles playing a consistent rhythm, complete the mbira ensemble, usually starting after the mbira players. In some areas, a drum played softly may also be included. Singing may be added by the mbira players and/or others present.

In addition to keeping ensemble members and listeners together, the hosho’s rich spectrum of frequencies adds sonic density and thickness to mbira performance, enhancing the sound produced by the majaka buzzers fixed to mbira soundboards and mateze resonators.

Apr 28, 2023 · Perman said that the four aspects of the mbira style that the ensemble focuses on, which specifically come from the Shona community in Zimbabwe, involve playing the mbira itself, keeping the beat with hosho gourd rattles, dancing and singing.

ジンバブエではRinos Mukuwurirwa Simboti、Foward Kwendaに師事し、岡山、京都を中心に活動する竹谷 純一(Mbira)、岩田 大悟(Mbira)、久我圭史（Osho）によるMbira ensemble Trio。 またMbiraに加えてジンバブエの太鼓Ngomaの伝統曲も演奏。

The heartbeat of a marimba or mbira ensemble is the hosho player, who uses a pair of these deceptively simple-looking instruments to keep the pace. Hosho are traditionally made from gnarly maranka gourds, hollowed out and partially filled with hard hota seed.

For the most part, however, an mbira ensemble consists of two to five mbira players, a hosho (gourd rattle) player, and one or more singers – often from among the players themselves. It is around the nucleus of the mbiras and the basic supporting rhythm of the hosho that the singing, clapping, are dancing parts revolve.

MBIRA DZIVA performs “Bembero” Santa Cruz Waldorf School. mbira musicians: Tom Melkonian Melissa Cara Rigoli hosho: Krishna Pulavarti