About KAMBUYU MARIMBA ENSEMBLE
Kambuyu Marimba plays music with its roots in the traditional Shona songs and rhythms of Zimbabwe.
The ensemble instruments include 7 marimbas:  3 sopranos, 2 tenors, 1 baritone and 1 bass.  The marimbas are accompanied by hosho, or gourd rattles, singing, clapping and drums.
“Kambuyu”, a Shona word for “Bugs”, plays happy, percussive music—very rhythmic and driving—meant for dancing.  In most songs, one of the soprano marimbas plays the lead melody, while the other instruments provide curious counter-rhythms and chords.  The music is infectious.
This music was brought to the United States during the 1960’s by Dr. Dumasani Maraire of the Kwanongoma College of Music in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. This music has become very popular in the Pacific Northwest and interest gradually spreading across the country.  The songs Kambuyu plays are either influenced by traditional Shona mbira (thumb piano) melodies arranged for marimba, or are more modern compositions written in the traditional music spirit.  The various marimba parts to each song are typically taught through oral tradition without written notation. Kambuyu is grateful to our Zimbabwean teachers and to our ancestors.
Kambuyu Marimba has been playing together since the winter of 2004.  Members include educators, scientists, nurses, and business folk (mostly retired). Home base is Syracuse, NY.

All tickets $10 at the door; first arrived, first seated. Children 12 and under listen for free. All upper grade students attending for extra credit assignments also listen for free. No one turned away!