Considered by many as one of the best kalimba players alive today, Kevin Spears (aka KalimbaMan) gift on electric kalimba has astounded audiences around the world. He is a performer of exceptional virtuosity and creativity who balances the ethereal acoustic sound of kalimba while advancing the infinite sonic possibilities of this exotic musical instrument through the use of modern electronics and guitar effects. KalimbaMan not only makes his own musical instruments, he performs internationally including a recent tour of Japan and was recently featured in the international music magazine/radio program "AfroPop Worldwide". Spears' gift on kalimba was utilized for the movie "Teza" by acclaimed Ethiopian filmmaker Haile Gerima and has recently teamed up with Grammy winning percussionist Count M'Butu of the Derek Trucks Band to form a dynamic world fusion duo called Rhythm Nomadic. Kevin has worked with and/or opened for artists such as: Victor Wooten, Eric Benet, Col. Bruce Hampton, Count M'Butu, Toubab Krewe, Wudasse, POS (of De La Soul), Arrested Development, Bill Summers (of Herbie Hancock band), Vinx, Mamadou Doumbia (of Salif Keita band), Rick Walker, Epizo Bangoura, Jhelisa Anderson, Moziak (guitarist for Fela Kuti), Divinity (bassist for Beyonce) and India.Arie. What is a kalimba? The kalimba / sanza is an African instrument derived from the ancient musical instrument of Zimbabwe called mbira. This class of musical instruments (lamellophone) contains metal, bamboo or wooden strips (keys/tines) that are fastened atop a small acoustic resonating body. The kalimba / mbira is known throughout Africa by many names including: likembe, ikembe, kisanji, kongoma, and a bass version used in the Caribbean called marimbula. Drawing from many musical influences from around the world, Kevin uniquely mixes these styles into a musical experience all his own. His music bridges Africa to America from Jazz to Rock, Funk to Flamenco with a powerful infusion of spirituality.