Timbila Music of Mozambique

The Chopi tribes of the coastal Inhambane territory is known for a special type of xylophone known as mbila and the style of music played with it, which is considered as the most classy way of composition that is yet to be found among the preliterate tribes. The bands is made up of ten xylophones of four sizes and accompany with the ceremonial dances with long composition known as ngomi, which is made up of an overture and ten trends of diverse tempos and patterns. The band leader serves as poet, composer, conductor and performer, making the text, making a melody, which is partially based on the features of the Chopi’s tone language and composing the second contrapuntal line. The artists of the band partially create their parts according to the style of the instruments known as idiom and the leader’s directions. The composer then consult the choreographer for the ceremony and then adjustments is made too.