Page 100 - Music

skin and tear it apart. If the ngoma has been kept in a cold room, it is better
to warm it first before using.
(c) Never set anything on top of ngoma. This may cause damage.
(d) To clean your ngoma, just wipe it gently with a piece of cloth.

Ngoma tuning
Ngoma tuning is the process of adjusting the ngoma membrane to achieve the
required pitch. Before any performance, performers may need to hear a particular
sound of ngoma. Therefore, this may require them to tune the instrument so that
it can produce the required tone. The tone of ngoma can be tuned to become high
or low pitched. The following are various ways that can be used when tuning
ngoma:
(a) Use of fire: This is done by placing the ngoma near the fire to tighten the
skin for producing high-pitched tones. Be careful not to place it too close to
the fire, as this can burn or damage it. Figure 6.16 shows how ngoma can be
tuned using fire.

Figure 6.16: Tuning ngoma using fire

(b) Use of sunlight: This is done by placing the ngoma on an open space to expose
it direct to the sunlight, hence tightening the skin to produce high-pitched
tones. Figure 6.17 shows how ngoma can be tuned using sunlight.

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MUSIC 2023 mpya FINAL.indd 94 18/10/2024 13:24