JULIA TSITSI CHIGAMBA
AND THE CHINYAKARE ENSEMBLE

New! Watch our demo video online!

Under the direction of Julia Tsitsi Chigamba, the Chinyakare Ensemble boasts a collection of diverse and experienced musicians from both Africa and the United States. True to its name, "deep traditional," the ensemble represents traditional music and dance from Shona, Ndebele, and other tribal groups from around Zimbabwe.

Some of the main instruments the Chinyakare Ensemble plays are mbira (thumb piano), hosho (shakers), ngoma (drums), marimbas (wooden xylophones), and chipendani (mouth bow). The Chinyakare Ensemble performances feature the complex weaving of all of these instruments into beautiful melodies and polyrhythms that are still performed regularly at spiritual ceremonies throughout Zimbabwe. Drawing from the culture of many different ethnic groups of the Shona people, all of whom have their own particular dances and songs, Julia shares a wealth and breadth of music and information that covers many regions within the area of Southern Africa.

The current members of the Chinyakare Ensemble include Julia Tsitsi Chigamba, Dan Faiver, Russ Landers, DeLisa Nealy, Sarah Noll, Stalin Tafura, and Marsha Treadwell.

Youth Ensemble Members: DajaNay Dumas, Wenyanna Jefferson, Erin Noll Landers, Erica Payne, Katelyn Payne, and Maya Rapier.

The Chinyakare Ensemble is available for performances, school assemblies, parties, and ceremonies. For more information, contact:

Julia Tsitsi Chigamba, 510-387-0540, nditsitsi@yahoo.com
Russ Landers, 510-763-1722, russ@chinyakare.com

See a list of our past events.