The Mbira pronounced "Mmm—Beer—ahhh" is a 29 key thumb piano from Zimbabwe and Mozambique made with metal tongs fastened onto a soundboard. The sound of this instrument is said to have mystical properties that are "pleasing” to the spirits. While the Mbira is mostly used in traditional ceremonies it is also very popular in African pop music and is commonly played in bands throughout South Eastern Africa. No one can say exactly how or when the Mbira came to be but its mythology is vast and includes stories of it being given to people by mermaids or angels.