Originating in Africa, the thumbdrum has made its way throughout the world. Known also as a sansa, kalimba, and thumbpiano, it has been used in ritualistic music and in the recording studio. Closely related to the mbira, another traditional African instrument, it is played by plucking the tines, or keys, with thumbs or fingers.

The first kalimba to be exported commercially out of Africa was the Hugh Tracey Kalimba. After years of studying African music and dozens of prototype instruments, Hugh Tracey's company African Musical Instruments began manufacturing kalimbas, a western version of the mbira, in the late 1950s. The name kalimba is a Bantu word which means "little music", and is similar to the word karimba, a type of mbira.

In addition to being a serious musical instrument, the Thumbdrum, or kalimba, is perfect for play and experimentation. Sturdy enough for children, it is a welcome addition to the standard percussion instruments normally available. Thumb pianos are simple to play and includes an appealing marimba-like sound. Accurately tuned with an accompanying songbook, they allow adults and children alike to explore music for themselves in new ways.