A reader has wrote in looking for music for a documentary film he shot about running in Ethiopia. He is specifically searching for music that is on the one hand uplifting music, something with drums that can positivly underline shots of runners that and give the film some momentum. He is also looking for tragic, quiet music, possibly with some vocals. The music should be of east African origin. Modern or traditional music are welcome, however traditional would be better.

If your band has recorded music that you think would fit, then please contact the filmmaker directly:

Niklas Warnecke
030 21 23 75 82
0173 20 35 011
Warschauer Str. 60
10243 Berlin
Deutschland
niklas.warnecke@gmx.net

Many readers write in asking for recommendations for teachers of African marimba music. While I have my own opinions, they are limited to my own experiences and biases.

I’d like to invite other readers to recommend their favorite marimba instructors. Comment on this post with your favorite instructor. Please include the instructor’s name, location, regional specialties, and contact information.

Another season of music camps begin!

Camp Tumbuka dates for this year are May 28 - June 2, 2008. This year’s tentative lineup of Zimbabwean instructors includes Julia Chigamba, Lora Chihora-Dye, Musekiwa Chingodza, Ronnie Daliyo, Rujeko Dumbutshena, Cosmas Magaya, Zivanai Masango, Paul Mataruse, Sheesby Matiure, Lucky Moyo, and Tendai Muparutsa.

Daily marimba workshops feature 4 hours of beginning, 4 hours of intermediate and 4 hours of advanced marimba will be offered daily in two separate 2 hour sessions in the morning and evening. Other workships include mbira dzavadzimu & nyunga nyunga, singing, dance, drumming, and Shona Guitar.

Adults:
$430-full time before April 24th, $135-daily fee before 4/24/08
$465-full time after 04/24, $150-daily fee after 04/24/08
Kids:
$210-full time before 04/24, $90-daily fee before 04/24/08
$240-full time after 04/24, $100- daily fee after 04/24/08

For more information please visit http://bantucamp.com/tumbuka.php.

The amazing dancer, singer, musician (and Nhemamusasa North teacher) Kurai Blessing Mubaiwa is a Zimbabwean refugee and permanent resident of Canada. Kurai’s eight year old daughter still lives in Zimbabwe. On February 2, 2008, MaiNyasha (Nyasha’s mom) tragically died at age 28 of Malaria. Nyasha is now being taken care of by her Grandmother who is also caring for her baby sister and three other cousins by herself. Kurai would like to bring Nyasha to Canada and be reunited with his daughter after almost 6 years. This benefit concert will be held to help raise much needed funds for Nyasha’s immigration to Canada.

Performance: Benefit Concert for Nyasha Mubaiwa
Date/Time: Saturday March 29, 2008 2pm - 5pm
Admission: Suggested donation of $10 per person
Location: Grandview Calvary Baptist Church, 1803 East 1st Avenue Vancouver, British Columbia V5N 1B2 (1 block east of Commercial Drive at Salisbury and 1st)

Performers:
Tambai Marimba (Kids Marimba Group)
Kunaka (Kids Marimba Group)
Myanda African Dance Troupe
Kutapira
Kurai Mubaiwa with Chanazukuru

For more information about this benefit, or to make a donation, please contact Amora.

Look for some updates very soon!

Zimfest 2008 will be held July 4–6 on the beautiful campus of Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington. Prefest will be held on Thursday, July 3. Visit www.zimfest.org for more information.

Today’s song post is from Makeke Marimba, hailing from Lasqueti Island, BC. Lasqueti is a small island with a population of about 350. The island is accessible via pedestrian ferry, and is a community of self-reliant homesteaders who enjoy the island’s mild climate and relative isolation. I had a chance to meet many of the members of Makeke at Nhemamusasa North this past summer. Josie Martens (marimba, vocals, mbira) told me that when they perform off the island they have to haul all their instruments on the pedestrian ferry - and that is dedication. Their hosho player (Rick Waines) has some impressive hosho chops and a beautiful voice. I believe this entire disc was recorded live which gives each track a passion and immediacy lacking in many studio tracks. So, sit back… close your eyes… and you just might hear some voices, too.

This cd is available for sale at dandemutande.org.