Background:

For centuries, authentic African music—from the hypnotic melodies of the mbira in Zimbabwe to the resonant harmonies of the marimba and the rhythmic pulse of djembe drums—has been passed down through oral tradition. But in the digital age, this rich musical heritage faces a challenge: how do we preserve, notate, and teach these rhythms so they thrive for generations?

Sekuru Mandebvu, a master mbira player from Harare, fears that as elder musicians pass on, their unique compositions and playing techniques will be lost forever. Meanwhile, artists worldwide are eager to learn and collaborate but lack access to structured training and authentic notation.

The Challenge:

Design a low-cost, Raspberry Pi-based motion capture system that can:

1. Track & Digitize – Capture hand and finger movements of musicians playing African instruments using motion sensors, IMUs, or cameras.

Constraints:

• Use Raspberry Pi 4, Pico, and affordable motion sensors or camera-based tracking.

• Ensure offline capability to allow musicians in remote areas to record their music.

• Support multiple instruments, from mbira and marimba to drums and balafon.

Bonus:

How might your solution allow real-time collaboration, letting musicians from across the world play together virtually?

Let’s keep Africa’s music alive—one note, one rhythm, one tradition at a time!

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