Nyunga Nyunga Mbira Tutorial by Taku Mafika

Summary

In this video, Tuma from Zimbabwe, a Be teacher and performer, guides viewers through learning the song 'N Sasa.' Starting with a basic four-round pattern, he demonstrates precise finger placements and step sequences, making it easy for beginners to follow. After mastering the foundational rhythm, Tuma introduces a variation that adds complexity by splitting notes between the thumbs. Throughout, he emphasizes practice, coordination, and proper technique. The tutorial is both educational and engaging, offering a clear pathway from basic patterns to creative variations, while also teasing future lessons on the nunga instrument and additional ways to play 'N Sasa.'

Takeaways

• 😀 Tuma, a BE teacher and performer from Zimbabwe, introduces the song 'N Sasa' and explains its learning process.
• 😀 The first step in learning the song involves playing '3 and 11' twice with both fingers together.
• 😀 The second step requires playing '3 and 15', followed by '1 and 15' in the first round.
• 😀 In the second round, the process repeats starting with '3 and 11', followed by '5 and n', and ending with '1 and 15'.
• 😀 The third round starts with '3 and 13', then moves to '5 and n', and concludes with '1 and 15'.
• 😀 The fourth and final round starts with '3 and 11', followed by '3 and 15', and finishes with '3 and 13'.
• 😀 After learning the basic pattern, Tuma introduces a variation of the song using finger splits.
• 😀 When splitting the fingers, always begin with the right thumb, followed by the left thumb.
• 😀 In the second round of the variation, the pattern starts with '5 and 9' and ends with '1 and 15'.
• 😀 Tuma emphasizes practicing all the rounds together to get the full flow of the song from start to finish.

Q & A

Who is teaching the N Sasa song in the video?

Tuma from Zimbabwe, who is a BE teacher and performer, is teaching the song.

What is the first step to learn the basic pattern of the N Sasa song?

The first step is to play 3 and 11 twice, with the fingers playing together.

How many rounds are in the basic pattern of N Sasa?

There are four rounds in the basic pattern.

What are the steps in the second round of the basic pattern?

The second round starts on 3 and 11, then moves to 5 and 9, and ends with 1 and 15.

What is the purpose of Variation 1 in the song?

Variation 1 introduces a split-finger technique and slightly different sequences to add variation to the basic pattern.

When performing Variation 1, which thumb should start first?

Always start with the right thumb, followed by the left thumb, when splitting the fingers.

How does the third round in Variation 1 differ from the basic pattern?

In Variation 1, the third round uses 3 and 13, then 5 and 9, and finally 1 and 15, incorporating the split technique.

What is the final round in both the basic pattern and Variation 1?

The final round starts on 3 and 11, moves to 3 and 15, and ends on 3 and 13.

What does Tuma promise in the next video about the N Sasa song?

Tuma will teach more variations of N Sasa and explain how to contact them to get your own BE.

Why is it important to join all the rounds together when learning the song?

Joining all the rounds together helps learners understand the complete flow of the song and practice it as a continuous piece.

What is the main instructional focus of this video?

The main focus is teaching the basic pattern of N Sasa and one simple variation, including proper finger placement and sequence.

How can learners ensure they perform the song accurately?

Learners should follow the rounds step by step, practice the finger placements, and remember the right-to-left thumb sequence when splitting fingers.