Meet the recording
An 18-minute-28-second Chopi timbila performance documented by Andrew Tracey, played by Venancio Mbande and his 25-person orchestra. The archive records the performance location as Wildebeesfontein, South Africa; the musical tradition and performers are Chopi/Mozambican. Hear the interlocking xylophone parts develop over time.
What might you notice?
Listen for a sound or moment that catches your attention—a rhythm, a voice, an instrument, a change in texture, or something unexpected. You do not need technical terms or a correct answer.
Hear it at the original source
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Listening access: Archive audio · 18:28 · International Library of African Music
Source access, licensing and verification details
Publicly accessible 18:28 full-length audio item with an HTML5 player and downloadable MP3; CC BY-NC-SA as credited by the archive. Browser playback not independently tested.
Source credit: International Library of African Music · Rhodes University · Andrew Tracey Collection, 1980