The matepe is a 24 key instrument that is played by the Kore-Kore people in North-Eastern Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It is very difficult to master as it utilizes four fingers-each playing an individual melody. These melodies also interwieve to create resultant melodies that can be manipulated thru accenting different fingers. The matepe is used in the Kore-Kore culture to summon the Mhondoro spirits. These spirits are considered to be at the highest point of the spiritual heirarchy and are able to communicate with Mwari (God) directly without the need of an intermediary.
Soprano Marimba
The marimba is not a a traditional Zimbabwean instrument, but it has quickly grown in popularity since it was introduced in the 1960's. It became especially popular in elementary school music programs. It is still used in that way, but many adult musicians have also taken the marimba and put the sacred music of the mbira onto it. The marimba is much louder, and can therefore get the attention of more people. It is great for bringing the energy up in a group to get the dancing started.
Bass Marimba
Through the powerful synergistic mix of marimba, matepe, and drumset, Rattletree makes music that is intrinsically meant to both create instant dance grooves and connect to the spirit in each of us. This music is fundamentally spiritual music that has been used for over 1000 years to call the ancestral spirits of the Shona people. Dancing is an integral part of the ceremonial process, and it is a joy to see the same energy created in the West when Rattletree plays.
