Metal-tined instruments played by the thumbs or fingers can be dated back to c.300BCE and have a rich history in African traditional folk music. One of the most sophisticated of these ancient instruments originates from present-day Zimbabwe and is known as the ‘mbira’– and it is from the timeless grace of the mbira that craftsman-inventor Bill Wesley took inspiration for the array mbira.

Array mbira’s are tuned to standard Western 12-tone scale and can be played in any key.

“I fell in love with this sound when I heard it at a party in Los Angeles. We found our way to Patrick Hadley, the San Diego based craftsman who builds these instruments and have now used the array mbira on two CDs. The love affair continues as we include more of this intriguing sound in our live performances." — JUDY CAMPBELL.
To find out more about the Array Mbira check out www.thearraymbira.com.

Mijikenda refers to the grouping of the nine tribes in the Mombasa area that Bandika Ngao calls home. The drums, marimba & kayamba featured in "Colours of Kenya" have been handmade in Kenya by him.