How the janzi makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the janzi belongs to the harps: strings run at an angle away from the soundboard, each plucked open.
More broadly it is one of the chordophones (string instruments), where sound comes from vibrating strings, amplified by a resonating body.
Players shape its sound through technique and materials; the resonating body filters the raw vibration, boosting some harmonics and damping others.
From Wikipedia
Janzi is a Ugandan string instrument invented by the musician James Ssewakiryanga, also known as Ssewa Ssewa. It was vetted and accorded utility model protection by the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) under the Harare protocol and registered by the Uganda Registration Services Bureau in 2017.
The instrument has been a major instrument in all Janzi Band and Ssewa's performances since its inception, as well as being adopted by other musicians.
Other harps
More instruments from Uganda
Frequently asked questions
What does a janzi sound like?
As one of the harps, its sound comes from the way strings run at an angle away from the soundboard, each plucked open.
What type of instrument is the janzi?
It is classified as harps (Hornbostel–Sachs 322.11).
Where does the janzi come from?
The janzi originates from Uganda.