WHO WE ARE

Tawanda muChinyakare means "we are many, all in the deep tradition of the arts of our ancestors," in ChiShona, a native language of Zimbabwe. The phrase speaks of a profound unity experienced through living in harmony with the deep traditions of our ancestors. Tawanda muChinyakare is a network of musicians, artists, teachers, and community organizers that was created with the purpose of weaving ancestral wisdom and creative expression with contemporary education and community work through the medium of African music and dance.

Tawanda muChinyakare is a bridge between cultures, tribes, elders, youth, and ancestors, which seeks to introduce new cultural perspectives, strengthen positive aspects of heritage, and expand cultural imagination through facilitating events, classes, and community gatherings. Tawanda muChinyakare invites us to experience the true power of community through the context of traditional music and dance.

Julia Tsitsi Chigamba grew up in the rich cultural traditions of Shona music and dance. Daughter of the highly respected gwenyambira, Sekuru Chigamba, she is a longtime member of Mhembero, the Chigamba family dance and mbira ensemble. Julia came to the United States in 1999. Two years later, in Oakland, California, she established the organization Tawanda muChinyakare and the music and dance company Chinyakare to share the beauty and wisdom of her culture in the United States. Julia continues to teach dance, music and culture in Oakland schools and in the community.

In March-August 2005, Tawanda muChinyakare was proud to welcome guest artists and teachers from the Chigamba family.