Grade 6 Music Performing – Kenyan Indegenous Musical Instruments Notes
Performing — Kenyan Indigenous Musical Instruments
Subject: Music • Subtopic: Kenyan Indigenous Musical Instruments • For age: 11
Quick introduction
Kenya has many traditional instruments. They are made from wood, skin, gourds, metal and strings. People play them at dances, ceremonies, stories and gatherings. Here are some important Kenyan instruments you can learn about and try.
🎵 Nyatiti (Luo lyre)
Where: Luo people (western Kenya).
What: A wooden lyre with about 7–8 strings. It looks a bit like a small harp.
How to play: Sit, hold it on the lap, pluck the strings with fingers — it makes melody and rhythm together.
Use: Story songs, dances, and keeping rhythm for singers.
🎻 Orutu (one-string fiddle)
Where: Luo and other communities.
What: A wooden bowl or box with one string and a bow (like a small violin).
How to play: Bow the string while changing the pitch with your fingers.
Use: Melodies to lead dancing and singing.
🥁 Isukuti drums
Where: Luhya people (western Kenya).
What: A set of wooden drums played together — usually three sizes creating different sounds.
How to play: Hit the drum heads with sticks or hands to make strong dance rhythms.
Use: Big dances, celebrations and to call people to join festivities.
🪘 Ngoma (drum)
Where: Many Kenyan communities (Bantu and coastal).
What: Simple name for drums made from wood and animal skin or modern materials.
How to play: With hands or sticks to give strong beats and introduce dances.
Use: Ceremonies, dances and storytelling.
🔑 Thumb piano (kalimba / mbira)
Where: Used in many parts of Africa, including communities in Kenya.
What: A small wooden box with metal tines you press with thumbs.
How to play: Sit and pluck keys with both thumbs to play gentle melodies.
Use: Soft songs, personal music and accompaniment for singing.
🔔 Shakers and rattles
Where: Many communities (made from gourds, shells, beads).
What: Containers with seeds or beads that rattle when shaken.
How to play: Shake in time to the music for extra rhythm.
Use: Add texture, keep time during songs and dances.
Simple pictures
These are simple drawings: the drum has a round top and body, the nyatiti looks like a small harp or lyre. You can draw your own using these shapes as a guide!
Class activities (easy and fun)
- Make a rattle: Use an empty bottle + small stones or beads + tape. Shake to make a steady beat.
- Clap the rhythm: Teacher plays a drum or claps a short pattern. Students copy (call and response).
- Instrument drawing: Draw one instrument and write two facts about it (where it comes from and how you play it).
- Show and tell: Bring a picture or small instrument and explain who plays it in Kenya and when.
Key words to remember
Strings — notes you make by plucking or bowing.
Percussion — instruments you hit, like drums and shakers.
Rhythm — the pattern of beats in music.
Melody — the tune you sing or play.
Pluck — pull a string with a finger.
Bow — move a stick with horsehair across a string (like the orutu).
Quick quiz — try these!
Note: Instruments and names can vary across Kenyan communities. If possible, listen to recordings of each instrument to hear how they sound.