The kalimba, a popular African musical instrument, has captured the hearts of people all over the world. Now, you don’t even need a physical kalimba to enjoy playing this beautiful instrument. The instrument can now be enjoyed virtually through apps.
Here are the 10 best kalimba apps that you can download on your Android and iOS device and start playing right away:
1. Keylimba
Keylimba offers a cute and lightweight interface for users who want to learn and play the kalimba. It features an adjustable 8-21 key range, a built-in looper for recording and playing back sound, and customizable key markings and background colors. The one-time Keylimba Plus payment unlocks all instrument types on iOS devices.
2. Smart Kalimba
Smart Kalimba is an innovative app that provides precise kalimba tuning and a realistic play mode. The app boasts a kalimba-specific tuning system for each range and is designed to accurately hear notes and pitches, even in noisy environments. In play mode, users can enjoy real sounds recorded in professional studios and modulate each key bar up or down a half-step to play songs in any scale. Tuning mode is free, while play mode requires an activation code or in-app payment.
3. Kalimba Real
Kalimba Real is an authentic virtual kalimba experience featuring six different kalimba simulators, including five treble kalimbas with 17 keys and one alto kalimba with 15 keys. The app provides a wide selection of offline and online songs (Kalimba Tabs) for practice, allowing users to play the simulator or connect to a real kalimba with various playing modes. It also includes a feature to build and export your own tabs, import and export MIDI files, and share your tabs with others.
4. Meditation Kalimba
The Meditation Kalimba app is perfect for those looking for a soothing, spiritual kalimba experience. The app uses real kalimba sounds recorded in a professional studio, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level. It’s great for relaxation and self-discovery, with added features like new sound scales, skins, and songs for the “how to play” mode. Don’t forget to use headphones for the best experience!
5. Kalimba Connect
Kalimba Connect is a comprehensive kalimba tutor app that works with a full 17-key kalimba. It features over 650,000 songs in its music songbooks. The app offers daily challenges, global leaderboards, and the ability to record audio while playing. You can also connect with a real kalimba using the notes recognition mode, making practice and learning even more engaging.
6. Kalimba Master
Kalimba Master is an excellent app designed for both novice and experienced kalimba players. This tutor app features a full 17-key kalimba, over 650,000 songs from music songbooks, and a notes recognition mode for connecting with a real kalimba. It also allows users to record audio while playing and offers lessons and music games to help you hone your skills.
7. Pink Kalimba
If you’re looking for a fun and visually appealing kalimba app, Pink Kalimba is the perfect choice. This app offers a realistic 17-key kalimba simulator with customizable themes and backgrounds, making it a delightful and immersive experience. It boasts a collection of songs for users to play along with and practice their skills, while also offering the ability to record, save, and share your own kalimba music.
Install (Android)
8. Kalimba ∞
Kalimba ∞ is another fantastic app that brings the magic of the African thumb piano to your fingertips. This virtual kalimba offers two distinct instruments (Kalimba, Sansula) for users to explore and enjoy. The app also allows users to record their creations and share them with friends and family. Kalimba ∞ offers a great introduction to this unique and captivating instrument.
Install (iOS)
9. Kalimba!
Kalimba! lets you experience the charm of an old African instrument in the palm of your hand. The app provides 7-prong virtual kalimba, offering multi-prong presses and strumming. The app also allows you to switch between two tunings – C Major and G Major – from the main screen. Kalimba! features a responsive and intuitive interface, making it suitable for both experienced musicians and beginners.
Install (iOS)
10. Kalimba Player
Kalimba Player is a free 17-key Kalimba app that sounds like a real kalimba instrument. The app allows you to easily slide your fingers across the screen to play tunes. You can even record your own kalimba music. The app works offline, so it is perfect for on-the-go practice or entertainment, without requiring an internet connection.
Install (Android)