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Town Hall Seattle and Northwest Folklife present
Saturday Family Concert: Mahonyera Mbira Ensemble
The Sounds of Zimbabwe
Note: Saturday Family Concerts are approximately 60 minutes long.
Get ready to dance, clap, and learn at this special Saturday Family Concert! Join us for a fun and lively performance by the Mahonyera Mbira Ensemble, a group of musicians who play traditional music from Zimbabwe.
They’ll introduce you to the mbira, an instrument that has been a part of Zimbabwean culture for hundreds of years. It has 24 keys that you play with your thumbs! Along with the mbira, you’ll hear the hosho (gourd shakers) and joyful singing in a style called mahonyera—a style of low-pitched syllabic singing described as the sound of “distant voices.”
This music has been used in celebrations, ceremonies, and even as part of Zimbabwe’s journey to independence. Some songs will make you want to dance, and others will show you how music connects people to their history and ancestors.
Bring your curiosity and get ready for an exciting trip to Zimbabwe through music!
As with all of our Saturday Family Concerts, this event is free for ages 22 and under.
The Winter/Spring portion of Saturday Family Concerts is presented in partnership with Northwest Folklife.
