"zhambai" (Shona) - to scream
Zhambai Trio plays traditional and original music from Zimbabwe and features ancient instruments such as the mbira (“thumb piano”), hosho (maracas), and ngoma (hand drums) as well as the more contemporary Zimbabwean marimba. The haunting yet uplifting sound of the mbira rhythms and interlocking melodies combined with the lilting quality of the vocal harmonies are at once stimulating and relaxing. The sound is reminiscent of water dropping, spirits talking, ancestors singing and blood pumping.
Listen with open ears and you'll find time becomes elastic as you get lost in this magical music.
As a trio, these multi-faceted musicians bring a message of joy and healing to themselves and the listener.
Zhambai Trio plays traditional and original music from Zimbabwe and features ancient instruments such as the mbira (“thumb piano”), hosho (maracas), and ngoma (hand drums) as well as the more contemporary Zimbabwean marimba. The haunting yet uplifting sound of the mbira rhythms and interlocking melodies combined with the lilting quality of the vocal harmonies are at once stimulating and relaxing. The sound is reminiscent of water dropping, spirits talking, ancestors singing and blood pumping.
Listen with open ears and you'll find time becomes elastic as you get lost in this magical music.
As a trio, these multi-faceted musicians bring a message of joy and healing to themselves and the listener.
Kurai Blessing Mubaiwa (mbira, marimba, vocals)
Kurai Mubaiwa has been an established world musician and music teacher since 1994. He has toured across Europe, West Africa, Southern Africa and across Canada opening for and/or performing with artists such as Chiwoniso Maraire, Cesaria Evora, and Vusi Mahlasela at internationally recognized concerts and festivals. Playing the mbira since childhood in his native Zimbabwe, he is perhaps the best mbira/marimba player in Canada today.
Kurai also leads the electric band ZimbaMoto which plays high energy music in the same vein as Zhambai, but electrified and with drumset, bass and guitar.
www.kuraimubaiwa.weebly.com
Kurai also leads the electric band ZimbaMoto which plays high energy music in the same vein as Zhambai, but electrified and with drumset, bass and guitar.
www.kuraimubaiwa.weebly.com
Curtis Andrews (mbira, marimba, vocals)
Rhythm is the driving force behind Curtis Andrews. A percussionist, composer, teacher, traveler and sometimes dancer, his on-going journey has taken him from the villages of West Africa to the metropolises of South India. Based in Vancouver, he performs in a wide variety of musical styles and these days focuses his energy with the Zhambai Trio & ZimbaMoto. He has also released his own album of original “world jazz” and is currently creating a new South Indian inspired trio featuring mrdangam, guitar and clarinet. Besides musical efforts, he also has a philanthropic side and built a 3-room schoolblock in small village of Dzogadze in Ghana (West Africa) and started an education development foundation to help further the education of the village’s children. He also leads study tours to Ghana to live in Dzogadze and learn traditional music, dance and culture. For more info visit his website:
www.curtisandrews.ca
www.curtisandrews.ca
Israel "Toto" Berriel (percussion, vocals)
Israel “Toto” Berriel is a traditional Afro-Cuban percussionist, vocalist, and educator. For twelve years, he played with the world’s best-known Rumba group, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, where he mastered the Afro-Cuban repertoire. Toto is an exceptional performer and a naturally gifted vocalist with a distinctive sound. Although deeply rooted in Afro-Cuban traditions, he is also comfortable with jazz, soul, and funk. Originally from Matanzas, Cuba, Toto has toured worldwide and made Canada his home since 2001, where he plays music with the Tanga Group, Candela, and Kokoma, while also teaching private workshops.
(Former Member)
Navaro Franco (hosho, vocals, movement)
Navaro Franco is a musician, dancer and teacher inspired by ancient traditions of earth based music and dance. She is interested in the role of traditional knowledge to support consciousness, community, and healing. Within her 30 years of experience, she has studied and performed Zimbabwean music in Canada and Southern Africa, primarily with Marimba Muzuva, and the Chigamba Family and their band Mhembero. She resides in Vancouver where she teaches and performs with a variety of groups.
www.navarofranco.com
www.navarofranco.com