Experience
Meet Siama
Siama Matuzungidi is a prolific composer, skilled guitarist, expressive vocalist and adventurous musician who's continually teaching himself new instruments, scales and methods.
Through his passion for collaborating with musicians of different genres, he's been delighted to discover the indelible impact traditional music from his homeland has had on a dizzying array of genres, from Latin Music and Jazz to Hip Hop. (If you're interested in learning more, research the influence that music from western DR Congo had on the emergence of Jazz music in Congo Square, New Orleans.)
During his formative, career-building years, Siama made his mark on music through playing Soukous but now he's drawing from his roots, the traditional music and Congolese Rumba from home, mixed with inspiration he's picked up along the way. Positive energy is Siama's lifeblood. He plays for joy, for healing, for connection. (Scroll down to explore more of Siama’s story.)
Feel the Rhythm. Join the Story.
Siama’s music draws from the rich traditions of Soukous and Congolese Rumba—genres known for their intricate guitar work, joyful rhythms, and deep cultural roots.
Each performance offers more than sound; it’s an introduction to language, history, and the instruments that shape Central African music.
Whether performing for students, families, or concert audiences, Siama creates an experience that is both educational and engaging—bridging cultures through rhythm, storytelling, and participation.
INSTRUMENTS: guitar, voice, mbira and kongoma (thumb pianos), balafon, nsakala (shakers), hand drum, wooden flute
ROSTERS: Classical MPR’s “Class Notes Concerts”, COMPAS, Schubert Club, The Ordway, MacPhail’s Global Music Initiative
GENRES: Siama's original take on Traditional Bakongo Folk Music, Congolese Rumba, Soukous, Children’s Music
LANGUAGES: Kikongo, Lingala, French, Swahili, Congolese Swahili, English
Schools
Siama’s interactive programs spark curiosity and make learning through music unforgettable for students of all ages.
Cook County, Mesabi East Middle School, Upsala Elementary, Achieve Language Academy, Aquilla, Ashby, BBE, Berea, Birch Grove, BlueSky Online, Bonner, Cap Agency Head Start, Cedar Island Elementary, Centerview, Chelsea Heights, Cherokee Heights, Cherry View, Christ Lutheran St Paul, Crossroads, Dayton's Bluff, Eastern Heights, Edgerton, Edward Neill, Ella Baker School of Global Studies, Faribault Lutheran, Farmington, Folwell, Friends, Gideon Pond, Green Center Park, Glen Lake, Groveland Academy, Groveland Academy, Halverson, Hamline, Harding, Hartley, Hawthorne, Hayfield, Hiawatha, Highwood Hills, Hilltop, Hmong College Prep, Indian Mounds, Jefferson, Justice Alan Page, Kenny, King of Kings, Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial, Lake Elmo, Laketown, Lakeview, Lakewood, Lincoln Elementary, Lino Lakes, Loring, Maple Tree, Marcy School for the Arts, Mayflower Montessor, Minneapolis South High, Minnehaha Academy Lower School, Minnesota Virtual Academy-Houston, Mississippi Creative Arts, Moreland, North Metro Flex, North Park, Northpoint, Northrop, Notre Ecole, OH Anderson, Oak Grove, Oak Hills Montessori, Oakwood, Olson, Park Spanish Immersion, Parker Elementary Elk River, Pinewood, Poplar Bridge, Prairie Creek, Rahn Elementary, Rice, Rice Lake, Risen Christ Catholic, Seward Montessori, Shirley Hills, Sibley, Skola, SPA, Spero Academy, St. Paul Music Academy, SPPS Online, St Michael, St Paul Academy, St Michael Catholic, St Paul School of Northern Lights, RL Stevenson, Susan Lindgren, Tatanka, The Blake School, Txuj Ci Hmong Language & Culture, Valley View, Washburn, Watertown, Mayer, Wellstone Elementary, Wellstone International HS, Westview, Westwood, Wilshire Park, Woodland, Zanewood, Zimmerman, Richfield Dual Language School, Austin Schools (Sumner, TJ Holt, Nevelyn, Southgate) …
Venues
Siama’s music has filled concert halls, theaters, and unexpected spaces with rhythm and joy.
Symphony Space (NYC), Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center (Birmingham, AL), New Orleans Libraries, LA, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, TPT Studio- Lowertown Line, Orchestra Hall, Antonello Hall - MacPhail Center for Music, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Walker Arts Center, Schubert Club, Reif Center (Grand Rapids), Hopkins Center for the Arts, Southern Theatre, Historic Chateau Theatre (Rochester), Open Eye Theatre, Pangea Theatre, Bedlam Theatre, In the Heart of the Beast Theatre, Patrick’s Theatre, HUGE Theatre, Target Field Market, Saint Paul Saints, Lakewood Memorial Chapel, Cedar Cultural Center, Dakota Cooks, Aster Cafe, Securian Plaza, St. Paul Bicycle Classic, Black Dog, Acadia, St Joan of Arc, Minnesota State Fair, Dakota County Fair, Wolfe Park (St. Louis Park), Whitetail Park (Farmington), City of Hastings, Fireman's Park (Chaska), Highwood Park, Dakota County Park, Town Green Park (Maple Grove), First Ave, Hook & Ladder, Intermedia Arts, Alliance Francaise, Minnesota Zoo, Como Zoo, Como Conservatory, Mall of America, MSP Airport, HH Airport, Arrowhead Performing Arts Center (Grand Marais)…