Dil Hai Chota Sa sung by Minmini from the movie Roja (1992) starring Arvind Swami, Madhoo. This motivational song is written by P. K. Mishra and music composed by A. R. Rahman.
Watch the video below and listen to better understand how to play. Notes for kalimba learning can be found below. The image can be downloaded and saved to your device for ease of learning.
Previously, we saw a number of pretty hollow kalimbas that are easily available to order online in India. This week we look at some of the best flat board kalimba styles in India that are too gorgeous to ignore and eager to be loved.
It is absolutely thrilling to see this Hluru kalimba in India. This is what happens when you marry wood and acrylic kalimbas-- one very esthetically pleasing piece of art! A carefully polished beech wood kalimba has smooth curved edges for that feeling of ease and comfort in your hands. The fact that there are 21 keys means that you have an even wider rage of music to play. Plus, since it's in C-major you still get to play the majority of music freely available online and offline.
If 21 keys still seems a bit daunting, you're in luck! There is also a 17 key whale and jellyfish flatboard kalimba for those interested.
So you've been watching kalimba videos and you're already excited to take one on? Great idea! To my fellow desi fans asking where to buy, how to choose, prices and the kind of kalimbas available in the Indian market, this is for you.
A hollow kalimba, as its name suggests, has a hollow body that creates a large chamber for the notes to resonate when the tines are plucked. You can usually recognise this type of kalimba by the circular or uniquely shaped hole on its front, just below the tines. There are also electric hollow kalimbas that allow you to connect to an amplifier. Perfect for those who are in a band or want to play around with special effects.
1. Kadence Pulse 10 Key Solid Mahogany Kalimba
Kadence is commonly known for their guitars, but did you know that they sell kalimbas too? Well, you do now. This brown kalimba from the house of Kadence, is a great sounding melodic instrument in a compact, handheld size. With its solid construction and an ergonomic shape you can experience the sound of pure joy as your fingers move through every key and resonating melody.
This is a story about how I got my very first kalimba in Dubai!
Dubai is city I once called home for half a decade, and during my time in that gorgeous city there are plenty of unforgettable experiences that I still hold dear. Among those are trips to Global Village, one of the most fun-filled tourist attractions in the UAE, and where I was introduced to a kalimba.
Click to Listen to the Sounds of this Kalimba!
A trip to Global Village - 2016
As I strolled around, I came upon a stall selling African music instruments where a colourful coconut shell kalimba with just 7 keys caught my eye. The shop-minder showed me how easy it is to create fun sounds on the tines. The arrangement was random, it sounded very relaxing, and was comforting to hold too. I was sold.
Sadly, I returned to Mumbai to study a year later and mostly forgot about the little instrument.
A post-graduation treat - 2020
Last year, after completing my Human Resource Management studies, I treated myself to some kalimbas. I now own two 17 key kalimbas; a Gecko camphor flatboard and a Hluru rosewood hollow-box. The 21 key Lingting in walnut is another gift from a dear friend. I love all three of them and continue to share short videos on various social media platforms.
Finally, a reunion - 2021
For a good while my belongings remained in Dubai until they were recently couriered to me this month. Finally, I was so happy to be reunited with my very first kalimba! It still feels good to play it just like the very first time I found it in Dubai.
Thus, so ends this little tale of my first kalimba.
