The matepe is a type of plucked instrument played in northeastern Zimbabwe. It is mainly played by the Sena Tonga and Kore-Kore groups, which are part of the larger Shona people.

There are five main types of mbira in Zimbabwe, and the matepe is one of them. The term "matepe" includes several similar instruments, such as the hera, matepe, and madhebhe.

According to Sekuru Chigamba, the soundboards of the matepe are made from wood taken from mutiti (Erythrina abyssinica) or mupepe (Commiphora marlothii) trees.

The matepe has a unique way of being played compared to other mbira instruments. It uses both thumbs and both index fingers to strike the keys. The keys on the matepe are thinner and longer than those on other mbira instruments. In traditional matepe music, four or five separate melodies are played at the same time. This type of music is used during ceremonies in Zimbabwe called bira, which involve spirit possession.

The music is made up of parts that fit together, creating complex and varied rhythms. The harmony in the music is based on patterns that can be described using fractal mathematics.