We play both TRADITIONAL and CONTEMPORARY african music. The traditional music is largely based on ancient melodies and poly-rhythms originally played on the mbira.
In this music style, each piece is composed of several repetitive interlocking patterns. A lead storyline or melody plays on top of these patterns. The result is a complex, dynamic interplay that is exhilerating and deeply moving. The contemporary music is drawn from African and North American sources, including Zimbabweans living in the United States and Europe as well as well as the larger marimba community in the western US and Canada.
The annual Zimbabwean music festival, Zimfest is an inspiration for our band and the many people drawn to African music and dance. In Bellingham, a number of bands play (or played) this music including Juba Marimba, The Sweet Pumpkins, the Big Bad Monkeys, Ruvara, Kuva and Kuungana.
The ensemble of instruments creates music that is exciting to listen to...and wonderful for dancing! The music has a univeral quality that appeals to all ages and backgrounds.
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