The DIY MidiMbira: Bridging Traditional Playability and MIDI Technology forPedagogy, Innovation, and Performative Practice

Guillermo de Llera Blanes

The DIY MidiMbira: Bridging Traditional Playability and MIDI Technology forPedagogy, Innovation, and Performative Practice
Image credit: Guillermo de Llera Blanes

Abstract:

This work delves into the design and construction of a DIY MidiMbira, a hybrid instrument that merges the traditional mbira with MIDI technology, developed through the lens of an insider- researcher and performer-scientist. Grounded in Playability Theory, this project explores how instrument playability can bridge cultural heritage and contemporary innovation, addressing the lack of tools for studying and performing traditional microtonal tunings while expanding the instrument’s relevance in modern contexts. The MidiMbira functions both as a pedagogical interface for preserving mbira microtuning layouts and as a versatile platform that integrates the traditional playability of an African lamellophone into contemporary digital workflows. It enables musicians to control software, virtual instruments, and external hardware through MIDI mapping, extending its applicability to modern production and performance practices. Embracing a DIY ethos, this work offers a customizable solution currently absent from the commercial market, fostering innovation and accessibility while making a case for DIY action-based research. The project also underscores the potential of liminal musical cultures to inspire new tools and technologies, encouraging tech-oriented scientific communities to engage with heritage-informed design.