A study of the performance practice of the Lozi and Nkoya silimba traditions of Western Zambia

Abstract

This study investigates the silimba traditions of the Lozi and Nkoya people of western Zambia, focusing on their historical, cultural and musical significance. As an indigenous xylophone, the silimba represents a rich cultural artefact deeply embedded in the political, social and ceremonial contexts of these communities. Despite its historical and cultural prominence, the silimba remains underrepresented in academic literature; overshadowed by better-documented African xylophones such as the Zimbabwean marimba and Mozambican timbila. This research addresses this gap by exploring the silimba's role within royal ensembles, its construction and tuning systems and its integration into contemporary educational and performance contexts. The study adopts a qualitative ethnomusicological approach, combining participant observation, interviews and analysis of performance practices. It highlights the nuanced distinctions between Nkoya and Lozi silimba traditions, emphasizing the instrument's symbolic and musical versatility. The findings reveal the silimba's dual function as a cultural and ceremonial instrument, underscoring its potential to bridge traditional heritage and modern musical innovation. A significant component of the research explores strategies for incorporating the silimba into Zambia's music education curriculum, advocating for its use as a pedagogical tool to preserve and promote indigenous musical traditions. The study also examined the challenges of globalization and cultural tourism, which have constrained the silimba to a primarily symbolic role, limiting its broader musical potential. This study contributes to the preservation and revitalization of Zambia's musical heritage, offering pathways for cultural sustainability and global appreciation of indigenous African xylophones by positioning the silimba as a dynamic instrument with applications beyond its traditional framework.