ikembe

How to say it

Meaning

a musical instrument made from a hollowed-out box with metal or bamboo strips fixed on top, plucked with the thumbs.

Good to know

A traditional instrument, played solo or to accompany singing.

Examples

• Data arakina ikembe ku mugoroba.My father plays the thumb piano in the evening.
• Ese uzi gukina ikembe?Do you know how to play the thumb piano?
• Nta kembe mfise mu rugo.I have no thumb piano at home.
• Nzokwiga gukina ikembe uyu mwaka.I will learn to play the thumb piano this year.