Ekinimba

The ekinimba is a side-blown or traverse flute, cylindrical in shape but narrowing from 2.5 cm in diameter at the mouthpiece end to 1.5 cm at the other end. The total length of the instrument is 75 to 90 cm.

It is made of a hollow stem that has been left to dry out for several days. A notch is burnt at the top end with a heated point to make the mouthpiece. At the bottom end the ekinimba is cut off straight or at a slant. Two finger-holes are always burnt into the underside of the instrument with a heated point. It is then dipped into hot water and grease is rubbed into it, after which it is left out to dry in the sun for another few days. The player moistens the mouthpiece with saliva before he begins to play.

The ekinimba is only played by men and is always made by the musician himself. Usually it is played solo, but sometimes the ekinimba player accompanies recitations in which a village, a population group or a person are extolled.

for more information see also: VAN THIEL, Paul, "Multi-Tribal Music of Ankole. An ethnomusicological study including a glossary of musical terms." Edited by the Royal Museum for Central Africa, Annales, Sciences Humaines, nr 91, 1977, 234 pp.