May 20, 2011   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MATANHO PROJECT ANNOUNCES 2011 MBIRA DZEMUNINGA TOUR

Langley, Wash. – Matanho Project is pleased to announce the second USA and Canada tour of critically acclaimed Zimbabwean mbira outfit Mbira Dzemuninga. After their successful 2009 tour following their split from Mawungira Enharira, Mbira Dzemuninga returns with a vibrant new sound featuring Jacob Mafuleni, Tonderai Ndava, Peacheson Ngoshi and Martha Thom. Unfortunately, gwenyambira Micah Munhemo was unable to travel with the group because of prior commitments in Zimbabwe.  This newly reconstituted version of Mbira Dzemuninga promises the same deeply moving mbira music rooted in the deep traditions from the Nharira mountains of Norton, 40 miles west of Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe. Alongside Mafuleni, Ndava and Ngoshi on mbira and percussion, Martha Thom brings a new energy to the ensemble with her energetic dancing, strong backing vocals and crisp hosho patterns. The group will arrive May 28, 2011 and immediately begin touring the US West Coast. Audiences familiar with Mbira Dzemuninga’s sound will be pleasantly surprised with the addition of strong female backing vocals and dance from Thom, an accomplished musician with a resume spanning various genres of Zimbabwean music, including dancing and singing with Chiwoniso Maraire as well as up and coming Afropop outfit Sweet Calabash. Thom has also danced with the celebrated Shingayi Dance Company in Harare and Sekuru Gweshe’s Boterekwa Dance Troupe in her 19-year professional dance career. She has also taught classes at the School of Ethnomusicology in Harare, Zimbabwe.  The members of Mbira Dzemuninga are available to teach mbira, marimba, dance, hosho and singing workshops during their three-month visit. Workshops can be arranged with individual members of the group or with the whole band.  For Washington and Oregon booking, please contact Dana Moffett at 360-321-3868, and for California booking, please contact Cathy Crystal at 831-332-8878. 

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