A variation or alternative name for the kalimba (thumb piano), an African percussion instrument played by plucking metal or wooden tines.
From Bantu languages (likely Zulu or similar), 'akkalimba,' with 'a-' prefix meaning 'the' or used as a diminutive, combined with 'kalimba' (the instrument itself).
The kalimba/akalimba has exploded in popularity worldwide, from being nearly extinct in the mid-1900s to becoming a global symbol of African music—YouTube thumb piano performances now get millions of views, bringing this ancient instrument into the digital age.
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