This fascinating talk by physicist Nhamburo Ziyenge uses the Zimbabwean thumb piano, the Mbira, to explore some of the fundamental laws of physics. The mbira and its relations act as a startling and seductive guide to such usually arcane areas as Fourier Analysis, Hooke’s Law and the Helmholtz Dissonance Curve. This simple looking instrument suddenly appears surprisingly sophisticated – and physics comes vibrantly to life!

The evening includes discussion and a special performance by Zimbabwean mbira Master Fidelis Mherembi. Nhamburo Ziyenge was born in Zimbabwe and studied at the Universities of Leicester & Manchester and the Institute of System Level Integration. He is a founding member of the Oxford-based Community Development Network, and is interested in bringing together modern technologies and the cultural and traditional strengths of remote peoples. S

ponsorship by The Festival of Learning means that we can offer this unusual Science Café for FREE!

Tea, coffee & biscuits from 7.30pm for a prompt start at 8pm. It takes place at the Pierian Centre, 27 Portland Square, Bristol BS2 8SA.

Please book in advance on 0117 924 4512 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it