One of the world’s earliest instruments evolved from the bow and arrow, it is played by drawing a stick across the string whilst using the mouth as a resonator on the bow to add an evocative, often otherworldly tone to accompany simultaneous inward whistling. Originally part of a culture after hunting and for telling stories around the fire, the umrhubhe is still very much traditional for Xhosa people of the eastern cape of South Africa, as is the uhadi, a variant with a gourd resonator.
One of the most internationally acclaimed Xhosa recording artist of this instrument is Madosini, full name Latozi "Madosini" Mpahleni, who has performed with many famous musicians at WOMAD and other festivals. She plays both umrhubhe and uhadi versions, as well as the isitolotolo jew's harp. The instrument is very much part of the youth culture of the amantombazana, and is traditional form of communication for female teenage players of the Xhosa.
Younger umrhubhe players
Here then is Madosini in action in two videos, showing a variety of techniques and sounds. Two sets of harmonics are produced by fingering the string producing a Lydian scale. Her inward whistling produces additional glissando notes:
In this video she is joined by Bongi is playing the Udu drum and Pedro on the Lekgodilo harmonic flute, also traditional to Southern Africa. This song talks about lost love Madosini continues to tour as "Madosini and Friends" or as "MadoJazz", a group which explores the natural Jazz roots of her music.
Here is another demonstration and explanation, here by Dizu Plaatjies:
Luyolo Lenga, another player shows how to play the umrhubhe, here also known as the mrhubhe, and also doing a performance with singer Mthwakazi:
So then, any more pieces featuring the distinctive sound of the umrhubhe? Feel free to share any further ones from any form of music, or even film, art or other contexts in comments below.
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