Chimuka Marimba band

Come dance to the rhythms of Zimbabwe on a hot summer's night in The Courtyard

Marimba music has the power to change the state of the performers & listeners....much like ancient chants and sacred music

Marimba music has been played in the Nelson region since 1997. Chimuka, based near Motueka, is one of only two groups playing this music in New Zealand. The group is directed and taught by musical director Russell Matthews.

Chimuka is an eight-piece band consisting of seven marimbas (bass, baritone, tenors, alto and sopranos) and a pair of hosho (shakers) and we play mostly acoustically. Mainly a dance band as the music is very infectious, however also the sound has a broad spectrum of context and will sit happily in the ambient courtyard where people can mostly listen and enjoy the intricacy of the music.

The music itself has been adapted for marimba from the mbira (thumb piano) of the Shona people of Zimbabwe, who have developed this instrument and its music to a high degree of sophistication. With intricate polyrhythmic cyclic melodies the music has a powerful uplifting quality capable of connecting people to a childlike sense of joy and delight, which is one of the main reasons Chimuka enjoy performing this music.

Event listed by fairfieldnelson

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