Originally a Zimbabwean instrument, the mbira is also known as the thumb piano. It is an instrument that is made of a wooden gourd, and inside is staggered metal keys. It is part of the idiophone family. It was made popular by Zimbabwean musicians, such as Thomas Mapfumo, and Dumisani Maraire. The rhythm is based on a cross rhythm, mush like sub-Saharan music traditions, with the left hand playing the base line and the right hand plays the embellished melody. This is an instrument that comes in different variations.