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We're honored to collaborate with the music composers  Matt Levine, who recently incorporated the Hokema Kalimba Sansula Deluxe into his vast collection. Matt has shared a tutorial video on his approach to the Sansula, demonstrating its immediate musicality and likening the playing of its two rows of metal tines to the rhythmic "inhale and exhale" of breathing. His demonstration includes a tango rhythm on the Sansula, tuned to A minor, showcasing how its limited 9 notes form a musical structure that allows for endless melodic and rhythmic exploration.

Matt Levine, based in San Francisco, balances his time between teaching at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and creating sound immersion applications. His diverse work spans composing for video games, films, TV, and more, showcasing his versatility across genres and his innovative technical skills. Founder of Uncle Vector’s Audio Lab LLC and with a history of significant roles in the music industry, including Beatnik Inc. and Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA), Matt's recent venture is Tone Pool, a sound immersion app for iOS and Android.

Dive into Matt's video to explore the Sansula's potential yourself and share your experience with us!

Discover the enchanting world of Hokema Kalimbas, meticulously crafted in a solar-powered, family-operated factory in Germany, and now available in the American market through WE PLAY WELL TOGETHER. This introduction into the interconnected community of kalimba enthusiasts underscores the instruments' accessibility and appeal to music makers of all levels.

The Kalimba, with origins in sub-Saharan Africa, offers a warm, soft sound that encourages relaxation and integrates well with other instruments. The Sansula, a unique development by Hokema, amplifies the kalimba's vibrations through a drum head, producing a prolonged, overtone-rich sound. For the more technologically inclined, the "Elektro" Kalimba features a built-in pickup for easy amplification, ideal for live performances and digital streaming.

Founded by Peter Hokema, who was captivated by traditional African plucked instruments, Hokema has evolved under the leadership of his son Hugo, maintaining its commitment to quality and sustainability. Their instruments are crafted from American cherry wood, avoiding tropical woods, and the factory runs on renewable energy.

Hokema's dedication to craftsmanship and innovation has made its kalimbas beloved by a diverse array of users, from professional musicians to wellness practitioners. As the exclusive North American distributor, WE PLAY WELL TOGETHER, led by Gabriele Schwibach, supports this tradition, offering a platform for these beautiful instruments to resonate within a global community.

 

At the 2019 NAMM Show, the captivating qualities of Hokema Kalimbas, especially the Sansula, were brought into the spotlight through an insightful interview with musician Brandon Blake by VisionQuest Sound. Emphasizing the instrument's simplicity and versatility,.

For those eager to dive deeper into Hokema's range of Kalimbas, from the compact models to the deluxe versions, a series of product line videos are available, providing a comprehensive overview of these beautifully crafted instruments.

And for those who love the Sansula but are looking for tuning options that better match their musical setup, there's no need to fret. Hokema offers a tuning tool designed for adjusting the tines to virtually any pitch. This adaptability opens up a world of possibilities, as evidenced by an eclectic collection of videos showcasing various creative retunings of the Sansula, proving its flexibility to fit any musician's needs.