Play the African Xylophone (Marimba from Zimbabwe)

Come join us for a relaxed workshop and learn how to play simple southern African folk songs on the African marimba from Zimbabwe. We usually do a bit of singing as well to go with each song. The workshop is open to everyone regardless of musical ability. Only 8 places available.

Time: 12:15 - 13:15

Location: St Peters North Community Centre, 1 Marian Place, London E2 9AX

Cost: £10

About Marimba

Full of buzzing sound and energy, the marimba is a wonderful instrument to play. A typical Zimbabwean marimba ensemble is made up of soprano, tenor, baritone and bass marimbas. They are acoustic instruments, making them easy to set up, and they are played using two sticks. Zimbabwean marimbas came into extistance in the 1960s at Kwanongoma College of African Music in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, which specialised in African music and teacher training. The marimba was developed as a uniquely African instrument for instruction. Today the instruments are played across southern Africa.

About Otto

Otto Gumaelius is a London based, Botswana raised, percussionist specialising in the Kwanongoma marimba and mbira nyunga nyunga of southern Africa. He writes and performs with his band Otto & The Mutapa Calling, and teaches music from Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana through his cultural arts and events company, Taste of Southern Africa. He is also a published author with a 1st Class Master of Arts Honours Degree in International Management.

Host or Publisher Taste of Southern Africa