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Wind instruments > Oboes > Nzumari

Preferred term

Definition

  • The nzumari oboe is an adaptation of the Arab zurna and zummara, introduced when the Arabs came to trade on the Coastal regions of Kenya. The nzumari is a solo instrument, used in dancing ceremonies during the interludes. It accompanies the singing (in unisono) and is played in between the verses of the songs, which tell the occasion (wedding, funeral, harvest, child birth). They sing the song and people respond to it: call and respons. The nzumari player uses the circular breathing (the cheeks have to be blown up) to attain a continuous sound. The nzumari is played only by men and only for special occasions like weddings

Broader concept

Entry terms

  • Zomari

Created

  • 2022-09-18

Editorial note

  • to be translated (en)

In other languages

URI

http://www.mimo-db.eu/InstrumentsKeywords/11583

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