The Rayiro Orchestra

This is an on-going project by Anesu Ndoro which seeks to create a pan-African orchestra of instruments from Zimbabwe.

Through research and manufacturing instrument prototypes, Anesu's goal is to innovate within our folk music traditions.

This involves two major undertakings: reviving musical instruments that are no longer played in Zimbabwe or close to extinction, as well as creating new traditional instruments inspired by folk music traditions around the world.

Check out these instruments that have been made so far!

The Fafariva Hammared Zither

Created from scrap wood, recycled tin cans and old guitar strings, this instrument shows that art can be used to take care of the environment. Read more about it here.

The Chivandudzo Lyre

Created using recycled wood from an old wardrobe, old bicycle brake wires and guitar tuning pegs. Read more about it here.

The Inanga reDzimbahwe

Based on the 5 note Inanga traditional instrument from East Africa, this version is modified for traditional Zimbabwean 7 note musical scale. Read more about it here.

The Chipetura Lute

This instrument was made from an old nyunganyunga mbira resonator, an old paint can and dulcimer strings. The tuning system is inspired by the Appalachian dulcimer, but played for Zimbabwean traditional music. Read more about it here.

The Ridzautare Marimba

Based on the Zimbabwean marimba, this softer instrument takes inspiration from metallic instruments such as glockenspiel. Read more about it here.