[1] The string is traditionally made from plant fiber and animal gut.

A thin stick, used to strike the string, and an inzebe rattle are held in the right hand.

In addition to the two fundamental notes that the string produces, the upper (longer) part of the string can be shortened using the index or middle finger, resulting in three notes: second/fourth or fifth.

Along with the ikembe, the umuduri was introduced to Rwanda in the early twentieth century.

It is played at festivals and official ceremonies; such as the ikinimba,[3] which is a dance accompanied by instruments to tell the stories of kings and heroes of Rwanda.