"[3][4] Oral tradition identifies the instrument with the kinnor of the Israelites played by David to soothe King Saul's nerves and heal him of insomnia, and later brought to Africa by Menelik I.Its actual origin remains in doubt, though local manuscripts depict the instrument at the beginning of the 15th century AD.During Lent, the instrument is often heard on the radio and around churches [6] Begena is accompanied by singing voice only.Subject matter includes the futility of life, the inevitability of death, saints, mores, morality, prayer, and praises to God.The begena is characterized by a very specific buzzing sound, due to U-shaped leather pieces placed between each string and the bridge.
