Great musicians with heart, soul, and rhythm dedicated to bringing joy and inspiring dancing!” - Terry M.

NEW ALBUM OUT NOVEMBER 10

UPCOMING Shows & WORKSHOPS

Previous events

Mbira dzaSoko presents Nyunga Nyunga Mbira class workshop series

 — (PDT, UTC-07) — (PDT, UTC-07)

Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance , 1800 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA

Nyunga Nyunga Mbira music classes taught by Salani Wamkanganise (see bio below). Saturdays, 1:30- 3 PM 6 classes: Feb. 24, March 2, 9, 23 and 30 (no class on 16th) & April 6, 2024 at Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance (MUCID). 1800 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA 94703 $120 for 6 weeks of class $25 drop in class Purchase mbira + class series: $350 ($20 class fee discount, plus mbira $250) Class size: 20 participants - Class is open to all people, ages 10+ Due to limited class size, please pay in advance, as payment insures your official registration in the class. Please send payment to Venmo link + complete registration link below. IMPORTANT NOTE: For comfortable playing, please consider growing out your thumbnails just slightly above the flesh of your thumb, as you will touch each key with both your nail and thumb.

MORE DETAILS: Join renowned mbira musician, mbira maker and cultural ambassador from Zimbabwe, Salani Wamkanganise, for an enriching six-week series on the Nyunga Nyunga Mbira. In this course, we will delve into the intricacies of the 16-key Nyunga Nyunga Mbira. Salani will teach his own arrangements of traditional mbira songs from Zimbabwe, as well as songs in the Shona language, rhythms and cultural elements within the context of learning mbira. Don't worry if you don't have your own mbira, as we can provide one for you during the lesson time. Additionally, there will be mbira instruments available for purchase. No previous experience is needed, as all levels are welcome. This is an exceptional chance to learn from a culture bearer like Salani, who is not only a skilled musician but also an exceptional teacher. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to expand your musical horizons and dive into the musical world of Zimbabwean mbira.

Mbira dzaSoko presents Nyunga Nyunga Mbira class workshop series

 — (PDT, UTC-07) — (PDT, UTC-07)

Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance , 1800 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA

Nyunga Nyunga Mbira music classes taught by Salani Wamkanganise (see bio below). Saturdays, 1:30- 3 PM 6 classes: Feb. 24, March 2, 9, 23 and 30 (no class on 16th) & April 6, 2024 at Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance (MUCID). 1800 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA 94703 $120 for 6 weeks of class $25 drop in class Purchase mbira + class series: $350 ($20 class fee discount, plus mbira $250) Class size: 20 participants - Class is open to all people, ages 10+ Due to limited class size, please pay in advance, as payment insures your official registration in the class. Please send payment to Venmo link + complete registration link below. IMPORTANT NOTE: For comfortable playing, please consider growing out your thumbnails just slightly above the flesh of your thumb, as you will touch each key with both your nail and thumb.

MORE DETAILS: Join renowned mbira musician, mbira maker and cultural ambassador from Zimbabwe, Salani Wamkanganise, for an enriching six-week series on the Nyunga Nyunga Mbira. In this course, we will delve into the intricacies of the 16-key Nyunga Nyunga Mbira. Salani will teach his own arrangements of traditional mbira songs from Zimbabwe, as well as songs in the Shona language, rhythms and cultural elements within the context of learning mbira. Don't worry if you don't have your own mbira, as we can provide one for you during the lesson time. Additionally, there will be mbira instruments available for purchase. No previous experience is needed, as all levels are welcome. This is an exceptional chance to learn from a culture bearer like Salani, who is not only a skilled musician but also an exceptional teacher. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to expand your musical horizons and dive into the musical world of Zimbabwean mbira.

Mbira dzaSoko presents Nyunga Nyunga Mbira class workshop series

 — (PDT, UTC-07) — (PDT, UTC-07)

Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance , 1800 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA

Nyunga Nyunga Mbira music classes taught by Salani Wamkanganise (see bio below). Saturdays, 1:30- 3 PM 6 classes: Feb. 24, March 2, 9, 23 and 30 (no class on 16th) & April 6, 2024 at Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance (MUCID). 1800 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA 94703 $120 for 6 weeks of class $25 drop in class Purchase mbira + class series: $350 ($20 class fee discount, plus mbira $250) Class size: 20 participants - Class is open to all people, ages 10+ Due to limited class size, please pay in advance, as payment insures your official registration in the class. Please send payment to Venmo link + complete registration link below. IMPORTANT NOTE: For comfortable playing, please consider growing out your thumbnails just slightly above the flesh of your thumb, as you will touch each key with both your nail and thumb.

MORE DETAILS: Join renowned mbira musician, mbira maker and cultural ambassador from Zimbabwe, Salani Wamkanganise, for an enriching six-week series on the Nyunga Nyunga Mbira. In this course, we will delve into the intricacies of the 16-key Nyunga Nyunga Mbira. Salani will teach his own arrangements of traditional mbira songs from Zimbabwe, as well as songs in the Shona language, rhythms and cultural elements within the context of learning mbira. Don't worry if you don't have your own mbira, as we can provide one for you during the lesson time. Additionally, there will be mbira instruments available for purchase. No previous experience is needed, as all levels are welcome. This is an exceptional chance to learn from a culture bearer like Salani, who is not only a skilled musician but also an exceptional teacher. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to expand your musical horizons and dive into the musical world of Zimbabwean mbira.

Mbira dzaSoko presents Nyunga Nyunga Mbira class workshop series

 — (PST, UTC-08) — (PST, UTC-08)

Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance , 1800 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA

Nyunga Nyunga Mbira music classes taught by Salani Wamkanganise (see bio below). Saturdays, 1:30- 3 PM 6 classes: Feb. 24, March 2, 9, 23 and 30 (no class on 16th) & April 6, 2024 at Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance (MUCID). 1800 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA 94703 $120 for 6 weeks of class $25 drop in class Purchase mbira + class series: $350 ($20 class fee discount, plus mbira $250) Class size: 20 participants - Class is open to all people, ages 10+ Due to limited class size, please pay in advance, as payment insures your official registration in the class. Please send payment to Venmo link + complete registration link below. IMPORTANT NOTE: For comfortable playing, please consider growing out your thumbnails just slightly above the flesh of your thumb, as you will touch each key with both your nail and thumb.

MORE DETAILS: Join renowned mbira musician, mbira maker and cultural ambassador from Zimbabwe, Salani Wamkanganise, for an enriching six-week series on the Nyunga Nyunga Mbira. In this course, we will delve into the intricacies of the 16-key Nyunga Nyunga Mbira. Salani will teach his own arrangements of traditional mbira songs from Zimbabwe, as well as songs in the Shona language, rhythms and cultural elements within the context of learning mbira. Don't worry if you don't have your own mbira, as we can provide one for you during the lesson time. Additionally, there will be mbira instruments available for purchase. No previous experience is needed, as all levels are welcome. This is an exceptional chance to learn from a culture bearer like Salani, who is not only a skilled musician but also an exceptional teacher. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to expand your musical horizons and dive into the musical world of Zimbabwean mbira.

Mbira dzaSoko presents Nyunga Nyunga Mbira class workshop series

 — (PST, UTC-08) — (PST, UTC-08)

Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance , 1800 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA

Nyunga Nyunga Mbira music classes taught by Salani Wamkanganise (see bio below). Saturdays, 1:30- 3 PM 6 classes: Feb. 24, March 2, 9, 23 and 30 (no class on 16th) & April 6, 2024 at Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance (MUCID). 1800 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA 94703 $120 for 6 weeks of class $25 drop in class Purchase mbira + class series: $350 ($20 class fee discount, plus mbira $250) Class size: 20 participants - Class is open to all people, ages 10+ Due to limited class size, please pay in advance, as payment insures your official registration in the class. Please send payment to Venmo link + complete registration link below. IMPORTANT NOTE: For comfortable playing, please consider growing out your thumbnails just slightly above the flesh of your thumb, as you will touch each key with both your nail and thumb.

MORE DETAILS: Join renowned mbira musician, mbira maker and cultural ambassador from Zimbabwe, Salani Wamkanganise, for an enriching six-week series on the Nyunga Nyunga Mbira. In this course, we will delve into the intricacies of the 16-key Nyunga Nyunga Mbira. Salani will teach his own arrangements of traditional mbira songs from Zimbabwe, as well as songs in the Shona language, rhythms and cultural elements within the context of learning mbira. Don't worry if you don't have your own mbira, as we can provide one for you during the lesson time. Additionally, there will be mbira instruments available for purchase. No previous experience is needed, as all levels are welcome. This is an exceptional chance to learn from a culture bearer like Salani, who is not only a skilled musician but also an exceptional teacher. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to expand your musical horizons and dive into the musical world of Zimbabwean mbira.

Mbira dzaSoko presents Nyunga Nyunga Mbira class workshop series

 — (PST, UTC-08) — (PST, UTC-08)

Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance , 1800 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA

Nyunga Nyunga Mbira music classes taught by Salani Wamkanganise (see bio below). Saturdays, 1:30- 3 PM 6 classes: Feb. 24, March 2, 9, 23 and 30 (no class on 16th) & April 6, 2024 at Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance (MUCID). 1800 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA 94703 $120 for 6 weeks of class $25 drop in class Purchase mbira + class series: $350 ($20 class fee discount, plus mbira $250) Class size: 20 participants - Class is open to all people, ages 10+ Due to limited class size, please pay in advance, as payment insures your official registration in the class. Please send payment to Venmo link + complete registration link below. IMPORTANT NOTE: For comfortable playing, please consider growing out your thumbnails just slightly above the flesh of your thumb, as you will touch each key with both your nail and thumb.

MORE DETAILS: Join renowned mbira musician, mbira maker and cultural ambassador from Zimbabwe, Salani Wamkanganise, for an enriching six-week series on the Nyunga Nyunga Mbira. In this course, we will delve into the intricacies of the 16-key Nyunga Nyunga Mbira. Salani will teach his own arrangements of traditional mbira songs from Zimbabwe, as well as songs in the Shona language, rhythms and cultural elements within the context of learning mbira. Don't worry if you don't have your own mbira, as we can provide one for you during the lesson time. Additionally, there will be mbira instruments available for purchase. No previous experience is needed, as all levels are welcome. This is an exceptional chance to learn from a culture bearer like Salani, who is not only a skilled musician but also an exceptional teacher. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to expand your musical horizons and dive into the musical world of Zimbabwean mbira.

The KTO Project

(PST, UTC-08) (PST, UTC-08)

Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center, 1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, CA

Kelly Takunda Orphan (KTO) of The KTO Project is a seasoned singer, songwriter, recording artist and bandleader. With decades of experience in the music industry, KTO has collaborated with some of Zimbabwe's finest artists, resulting in a unique fusion of cultural sounds. Her third album, "Mafaro eZimbabwe," pays tribute to the traditional music and culture of her second home. As a performer and music educator for nearly 30 years, KTO's expertise is undeniable. Her song 'Komborerai Mafaro' won second place in the world music category in the "Unsigned Only" music competition, standing out among 6,000 submissions from over 100 countries. African American musician and cultural historian Linda Tillery describes KTO as a musician who "carefully fuses together the music from disparate cultures with warm and lush vocals and music that will make you want to dance,” which is a testament to KTO’s talent and dedication to her craft.

Get ready to experience the electrifying energy of The KTO Project, as fans rave about their incredible performances. According to Jon Jackson, a dedicated fan, ""Kelly and the KTO Project bring 100 per cent to every show. They bring joy to the party, and I dare you to keep from dancing!"" Terry Mandel, another devoted supporter, echoes the sentiment, stating, ""Great musicians with heart, soul, and rhythm dedicated to bringing joy and inspiring dancing!""

TICKETS: GA Presale: $20

GA DoS: $25

Students: $15 (ONLY AT THE DOOR - have your student ID ready)

Seniors (65 and older) at door: $20

(Kids under 12 are welcome for FREE)

KTO Project CD Release

Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA

Get ready to experience the electrifying energy of The KTO Project, as fans rave about their incredible performances. According to Jon Jackson, a dedicated fan, ""Kelly and the KTO Project bring 100 per cent to every show. They bring joy to the party, and I dare you to keep from dancing!"" Terry Mandel, another devoted supporter, echoes the sentiment, stating, ""Great musicians with heart, soul, and rhythm dedicated to bringing joy and inspiring dancing!""

General Admission Presale: $20 | General Admission Day of Show: $25 | Students: $15 (ONLY AT THE DOOR - have your student ID ready) | Seniors (65 and older) at door: $20 | Kids under 12 are welcome for FREE

Komborerai Mafaro

The KTO Project

‘Komborerai Mafaro’ is a wonderful explosion of energy and human joy in the form of music, a call to celebrate the here and now, as the title means “bless this joyful time we are having right here!" This song is a powerful reminder that goes beyond the borders of language, nations, and cultures.Komborerai Mafaro' is the first single from the
‘Komborerai Mafaro’ is a wonderful explosion of energy and human joy in the form of music, a call to celebrate the here and now, as the title means “bless this joyful time we are having right here!" This song is a powerful reminder that goes beyond the borders of language, nations, and cultures.Komborerai Mafaro' is the first single from the upcoming KTO Project's album, 'Mafaro eZimbabwe,' a heartfelt tribute to KTO's Zimbabwean teachers and her profound connection to the Zimbabwean community that has nurtured her musicianship for decades. With each track, KTO takes listeners on a mesmerizing journey through the vibrant rhythms and soul-stirring melodies that have become her signature and will leave an indelible mark on your soul, as it did on her in 1994, when her life-changing adventure in Zimbabwe started, and when she came across the true power of music as a universal language.
And since then, Kelly's music has fused African diaspora traditions, crafting a unique and danceable sound, and promoting unity and positive change, inspiring audiences worldwide with master musicians from Zimbabwe, DRC, and Kenya. With lush vocals and powerful rhythms, she truly bridges cultures effortlessly, as praised by African American musician and cultural historian Linda
Tillery.
'Komborerai Mafaro' has also won 2nd place in the world music category in the "Unsigned Only" music competition. Out of 6,000 submissions, The KTO Project's song was chosen to be in an elite group of musicians from around the world, which is a testament to the power of Zimbabwean music and the care KTO and her team put in recording!
Read more…

WE WON!

It is our great honor and pleasure to personally inform you that The KTO Project, has won “Second Place” with the song “Komborerai Mafaro” in the “World Music” category in the 2023 Unsigned Only Music Competition. We received almost 6,000 entries this year from artists in more than 100 countries worldwide, so this is a remarkable achievement that is a testament to your hard work, perseverance, and undeniable talent. Unsigned Only and its judges would like to extend its heartfelt congratulations on this achievement, and we are proud to announce you as one of the winners in this year's competition

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