Uploaded March 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this video, we continue to learn about the process of building the Embaire, also known as the xylophone, to help educate our young music scholars about music, melody and instrument building. We are shown how they finish off their Embaire and then talk to some young students about what they have learned.
For these musical scholars, their musical journey actually starts with the Embaire (also known as the Xylophone). The scholars are taught the tunes they need to know on this instrument before transferring these melodies over to the Entongooli.
What’s incredible about this entire process is how the children are also taught about building the Embaire as well, creating instruments for themselves to learn on. In this first part, we look at how selecting the correct tree’s are integral (Despite the fact they are on the verge of extinction due to their large use in charcoal creation) and we look at how to shape these trees to create and tune each note on the Xylophone.
For years, our Revival Series has worked to breathe new life into Uganda's endangered musical traditions, with James Isabirye leading these vital efforts. First, we identify endangered instruments and document existing knowledge from elders and historical recordings, creating a foundation for authentic revival. We then locate skilled craftspeople who can recreate traditional instruments using authentic materials and techniques, or train new artisans in these specialized skills. An important part of the process is always connecting elder musicians with younger generations through workshops and apprenticeships, ensuring playing techniques and cultural context are preserved.
As Ben Nsumugo Ntabula said: “Every time we set up our instruments and play, the children come and the children dance and the children ask us to stay. We can’t say they’ve lost interest. All we can say is that they’ve lost access to the music.”
We work with communities to reintroduce these instruments into cultural events and celebrations, restoring their role in social life. We establish ongoing teaching programs, performance opportunities, and recording projects to ensure the revived tradition thrives independently.
In this video, we continue to learn about the process of building the Embaire, also known as the xylophone, to help educate our young music scholars about music, melody and instrument building. We are shown how they finish off their Embaire and then talk to some young students about what they have learned.
For these musical scholars, their musical journey actually starts with the Embaire (also known as the Xylophone). The scholars are taught the tunes they need to know on this instrument before transferring these melodies over to the Entongooli.
What’s incredible about this entire process is how the children are also taught about building the Embaire as well, creating instruments for themselves to learn on. In this first part, we look at how selecting the correct tree’s are integral (Despite the fact they are on the verge of extinction due to their large use in charcoal creation) and we look at how to shape these trees to create and tune each note on the Xylophone.
For years, our Revival Series has worked to breathe new life into Uganda's endangered musical traditions, with James Isabirye leading these vital efforts. First, we identify endangered instruments and document existing knowledge from elders and historical recordings, creating a foundation for authentic revival. We then locate skilled craftspeople who can recreate traditional instruments using authentic materials and techniques, or train new artisans in these specialized skills. An important part of the process is always connecting elder musicians with younger generations through workshops and apprenticeships, ensuring playing techniques and cultural context are preserved.
As Ben Nsumugo Ntabula said: “Every time we set up our instruments and play, the children come and the children dance and the children ask us to stay. We can’t say they’ve lost interest. All we can say is that they’ve lost access to the music.”
We work with communities to reintroduce these instruments into cultural events and celebrations, restoring their role in social life. We establish ongoing teaching programs, performance opportunities, and recording projects to ensure the revived tradition thrives independently.
