Carlimba, also known as the Thumb Piano, is an instrument with African ethnic characteristics. It has different names in various African countries. For instance, it is called Kalimba in Kenya, Mbira in Zimbabwe, and Likembe in Congo. It is also referred to as Sanza and Thumb Piano.
The main way to play the thumb piano is to pluck the thin pieces on its body with the thumb. These thin pieces are usually made of wood, bamboo or metal. The traditional thumb piano uses a gourd as a resonator, which makes its tone richer and more touching. The thumb piano has a wide range of pitches, with various specifications such as 5-tone, 6-tone, 8-tone, 10-tone, 15-tone, 17-tone, and 21-tone. The more keys it has, the richer the tones it can produce.
The thumb piano is not only suitable for adults to play but also for children. It is easy to learn. By moving the copper plates with the thumbs, vibrations are produced to make sounds. The tone is clean and clear, similar to the sound of a music box, very ethereal. The diversity and ease of learning of this instrument make it a popular one, suitable for simple songs such as "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "Little Bee", and also for complex chord accompaniment singing.