[2] In the late 1920s Tracey was a farmer in rural Devon, when he decided to travel to Southern Rhodesia, current Zimbabwe.

Tracey was interested in the mbira,[3] the national instrument of Zimbabwe, which has been part of the music of the Shona people for hundreds of years.

In his efforts to spread awareness of Africa's vast musical heritage, he created an adaptation of the mbira known as the kalimba.

Notable tours include: Hugh's sons, Andrew and Paul, also became well known ethnomusicologists and musicians specializing in African music.

[citation needed] Tracey died on 23 October 1977 and is buried at the Saronde Valley Farm, near Krugersdorp, South Africa.