Zimfest is offering online workshops much like the Cultural Presentations at the festival. Taught by experienced Zimfest teachers, the sessions attempt to recreate the intimacy of classroom lecture-discussions that do not include hands-on music or singing. Our goal is to continue educating about Zimbabwean music and culture while supporting Zimbabwean artists. We are offering them on a donation basis, with a suggested donation of $10 per hour per participant. Please sign up! Take in an interesting talk and learn more about Zimbabwean culture!
Please note: Recordings of these presentations will not be made available for viewing. Presentations may be repeated at a later date (on a donation basis) if the demand is high.
All presentations listed below will take place on Saturdays starting at 1:00 PM Pacific time on Zoom. You will be sent the Zoom link in your registration confirmation email.
See Zimfest 2020 Overview for bios of the presenters.
Linos Wengara Magaya with Tim Lloyd
The Role of the Mbira Within Shona Spiritual Culture
July 11, 1:00 – 2:30 pm PDT
Drawing on his life experience as an mbira player and his path as a Svikiro spiritual healer, growing up in a traditional spiritual family and combining his knowledge with research, Linos Wengara Magaya will discuss the important contributions that mbira performance has made to Shona culture. Ample time will be allowed for participants to ask questions. Tim Lloyd will co-teach.
Jeff Brahe
Fundamentals of African Rhythm: Triplet (12/8) Version
July 18, 1:00 – 2:30 pm PDT
I have taught many topics to many people — marimba, mbira, hosho, dance, improvisation, arranging, singing, Japanese language, classical music, Taekwondo, etc. But out of everything I’ve taught, one stands above all the others in terms of the positive impact it has had on students: the Fundamentals of African Rhythm (F.A.R.). Very 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 might just enter these elite ranks! This session focuses on the triplet or 12/8 rhythms that form the basis of most traditional Shona music.
