NW Folklife is proud to partner with Town Hall Seattle this season to curate a series of Saturday Family Concert events combining music, dance, and visual art to showcase the diverse cultures in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. The Concert Series offers a special opportunity for young people and families to interact with culture, not just be witness to it.  

Saturday Family Concert: Mahonyera Mbira Ensemble

Get ready to dance, clap, and learn at this special Saturday Family Concert! Join us for a fun and lively performance by the Mahonyera Mbira Ensemble, a group of musicians who play traditional music from Zimbabwe.

They’ll introduce you to the mbira, an instrument that has been a part of Zimbabwean culture for hundreds of years. It has 24 keys that you play with your thumbs! Along with the mbira, you’ll hear the hosho (gourd shakers) and joyful singing in a style called mahonyera—a style of low-pitched syllabic singing described as the sound of “distant voices.”

This music has been used in celebrations, ceremonies, and even as part of Zimbabwe’s journey to independence. Some songs will make you want to dance, and others will show you how music connects people to their history and ancestors.

Bring your curiosity and get ready for an exciting trip to Zimbabwe through music!

As with all of our Saturday Family Concerts, this event is free for ages 22 and under.