Grade 5 Music Performing – Kenyan Indegeneous Music Instruments Notes
Performing — Kenyan Indigenous Musical Instruments
These notes introduce some traditional Kenyan instruments and simple ideas for performing with them. They are written for age 10, so the words and examples are easy to follow.
Learning goals
- Recognise a few Kenyan instruments.
- Know how they are played and what they sound like.
- Try a simple performing activity using rhythm and call-and-response.
Common Kenyan instruments (and how to say them)
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Nyatiti (nyeh-TEE-tee) — a special eight-string lyre from the Luo people.
🪕 A hollow body with strings. Players pluck the strings with fingers to make a warm, ringing sound.
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Orutu (oh-ROO-too) — a one-stringed fiddle used by the Luo.
🎻 Played with a bow. It makes a high, singing sound that follows the voice in songs.
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Ngoma (EN-go-ma) — a general name for drums used across Kenya.
🥁 Drums make the beat (the pulse). Some are big and deep, some are small and sharp.
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Thumb piano / kalimba / likembe — small metal-tongue instruments held in the hands.
🎶 Pluck the metal keys with thumbs. Sounds are bright and bell-like.
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Flutes and whistles — made from wood or bamboo.
🪈 Blow gently to make soft, sweet tunes often used in storytelling or dances.
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Shakers and rattles — made from seeds, gourds, or beads.
🔊 Shake with the beat to add sparkle to the music.
How they are used in performing
- Lead and support: An instrument (like the nyatiti or orutu) may lead the tune while drums and shakers keep the rhythm.
- Call-and-response: A singer or instrument plays a short musical 'call' and the group answers. This is fun and common in Kenyan music.
- Keeping time: Drums often set the tempo. If the drum is steady, everyone can stay together.
- Dance and music together: Many instruments are played while people dance. Watch the dancers to match speed and mood.
Simple performing tips for kids (ages 10)
- Listen first — hear the drum or lead instrument before you play.
- Count the beat quietly: "1-2-3-4" to stay in time.
- If you are unsure, play softly — it is easier to join in quietly than to stop a loud mistake.
- Watch the leader for changes: faster, slower, or when to stop.
- Be respectful of the instrument and players — many instruments are special to families or communities.
Try this: 3 mini activities
- Clap the drum: One person taps a steady beat (1-2-3-4). Others clap on beats 2 and 4. Switch roles.
- Call-and-response: Leader plays or sings a short phrase. Group repeats the phrase. Start simple (4 notes).
- Make a shaker: Fill a small, clean plastic bottle with rice or beads, close the lid, decorate it, and shake on the beat.
Easy glossary
- Lyre: A string instrument with a bowl-like body and strings you pluck.
- Fiddle: A small violin; played with a bow.
- Rhythm: The pattern of long and short sounds and silences — the heartbeat of music.
- Tempo: How fast or slow the music is.
Remember: Kenyan indigenous instruments are part of culture and stories. When you learn to play them, you also learn about people's history and how music brings everyone together. 🎵