Kalimba - I Will Be Heard

by Ken Walker

Title

Kalimba - I Will Be Heard

Artist

Ken Walker

Medium

Digital Art - Digital Painting

Description

Modern abstract paying homage to the "Kalimba" a unique instrument with bell-like tones played by the user's thumbs. This is the modern version of the African instrument, the Mbria, The heart behind the artwork is finding one's voice - one's uniqueness out of a crowd of thousands. I believe this is less of a creating a voice, as it is about discovery the voice that is there waiting to be heard. That voice may seem simple, tiny, without the a place to fit in, but like the Kalimba, the tones that are created when embracing the truth of self, are heavenly.


Kalimba - I Will Be Heard

Oh, Kalimba,
sing for me
as
nimble fingers
caress you.
Ring the bells,
resonate,
Call on angel’s
vibrant tones
to
stir my soul.
I am captivated.
Unique and lovely
You are heard.


Artist Note - "A number of years back, the Pat Metheny Group came out with a new album with a new line-up of musicians. One stood out amongst the rest - one very talented and unique voice, Richard Bona, from Cameroon. He was a skilled bassist, but what impressed me was his singing. Several songs were song in his native language which with his smooth bell-like tones captivated the listener. One such song featured an intro with just his voice and the Kalimba (In truth it could have been the Mbria, but given the tones seemed more "western", I'm going with the Kalimba). The choice of that simple instrument created a fuller, more rich experience."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0bUIKC0E5w Richard Bona with the Pat Metheny Group playing the Kalimba

Uploaded

November 5th, 2021

Colors

Embed

Share

Tags