Maputo – Southern Mozambique boasts of pristine coastlines that have gained tourist attention in the past few years. However, the region has other distinct wonders and history to be proud of, as it is also the home of the Chopi indigenous people. They are coastal people who live in the southern part of the Inhambane province where they pass on rich and colorful traditions that are treasures of their own.
History and Geography
Based on the Chopi oral traditions, they are a part of the original Bantu ethnicity that migrated from Central Africa to different parts of Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Northern Zambia. As noted in their traditional lore, the Chopi community had the Bantu peoples who established the initial contact with the San people of Southeast Africa.
At present, there are variations of the ethnic group’s name, yet at their core, they are the same people. They have passed on their knowledge, wisdom, culture, and various philosophies to their communities. The name Chopi is spelled as Bacopi or Vacopi in the people’s language. Such a distinct spelling is closely similar to that of the Xitsonga language. However, what does it mean? As translated and interpreted, the Chopi derives its name from their people’s use of bows and arrows.
In studies about the ethnic community, the Chopi group was found to be a part of the first Tonga people. As the people flourished in Southern Mozambique, their members gradually mastered various art forms using clay, iron, and wood as the medium. This practice of manufacturing led to the creation of the famous timbila or mbila (wooden xylophone) orchestra that is a great part of the community’s events.
Music and Culture
An impressive cultural highlight in the lives of the Chopi is their timbila. The artistry and craftsmanship of the community members are reflected in the creation of this wooden instrument from the mwenje (sneezewort) tree. The rich music from the timbila takes center stage at weddings and other important community celebrations.
Here, as the music begins, an outsider may be enchanted by the music of distinct wooden xylophones of varying sizes and different pitch ranges being played by an orchestra of between 5 to 30 players. The timbila are tuned carefully and made with the age-old knowledge of the resonant quality of the slow-growing mwenje.
Interestingly, the timbila orchestra is open to players of all genders and all ages. The audience may hear music played by an orchestra that has a child and their grandparent as members. Such a unique approach in keeping everyone involved in this artistic cultural tradition.
Music at Present
The great news with the traditional timbila practice is that the Chopi people had not abandoned it. However, as time passes and deforestation is becoming a bigger concern, the creation of newer timbila is limited. Still, more senior players are willing to share their time and skill to help teach the young members of the Chopi community.
In recent years, modern groups showcased the beauty of timbila music on television and other more contemporary events. Such is the ethnic community’s effort to keep their heritage alive and relevant to the younger generation. It is a treat to modern Mozambique residents plus a good active practice for the Chopi people to keep passing their traditions and community treasures to the next generation. In addition, it is a great way to introduce the Chopi ethnic community to the rest of the world.
Photo by Dimitry B on Unsplash, https://unsplash.com/@dimitry_b
