Presentations

This Zulu/Ndebele word means to cherish and protect. The workshop will include learning the song as well as discussing lobola or bride-price, its cultural importance and whether or not it is relevant today.

Referring to the Ngwana Model and experience, this is a talk about how to mobilise local communities to take part in development projects and get really involved. I discuss how to manoeuvre through the local politics and focus on seeking one’s vision.

Perspectives on the topic of cultural appropriation/mis-appropriation. For further details, see Festival Events.

This season I will be taking my students into some interesting Shona cultural trends that make the culture distinct from other cultures. I will explore how trends such as peace, comfort, kindness, and generosity lay a solid social foundation for the people. The Shona people know what specific needs drive their lives. They know where they are going and that any process in their social patterns has a cause, reason and effect. Using quotable quotes and proverbs, I will highlight the hidden themes underlying the behavior and conduct of the Shona people. In these patterns, music is the glue and the catalyst to motivation, unity, understanding and a sense of belonging. This is a class not to miss!

I will admit that I am biased, but I do think Shona is an easy language to learn because it does not have too many complex sounds. Come learn basic greetings, grammatical structures and a sentence or two. Bring a word, sentence or song that you need translated. The thing with learning Shona is that the language itself is the container of the culture; in learning the language one simultaneously learns cultural practices that might come in handy when traveling to Zimbabwe. I promise not to teach you to swear words. Bring all learning aids as needed.

I have taught many topics to many people – marimba, mbira, hosho, dance, improvisation, arranging, singing, Japanese language, classical music, Taekwondo, cultural topics, etc. But one thing stands above all others in terms of the positive impact it has had on students: F.A.R., or the Fundamentals of African Rhythm. Few marimba players in North America possess the rhythmical skills necessary to bring forth the true essence of Zimbabwean music. Take this class and you just might enter those elite ranks!