Siama's Congo Roots
Feel-good music from the Heart of Africa
Siama's in-person events are cancelled but use this form to inquire about livestreams or videos.
“When we listen to Siama's, "Land of Yangalele" we hear home, Mama Africa. This is very beautiful music everyone can enjoy.”
— Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Back in Africa, Siama Matuzungidi (see-AHH-maw) became a soukous legend, recording his intricate guitar on hundreds or songs and touring the world with popular artists. Now in Minneapolis, his catchy, upbeat songs and musicianship have earned him a McKnight Fellowship and numerous grants and a Parents' Choice Parent Approved award. He loves performing special concerts and events and sharing his happy music with kids and their families. In addition to singing and guitar, Siama plays traditional African instruments like mbira (thumb piano) and balafon (marimba).
“We dig it! A great addition to the family music mosaic! Outstanding rhythms and performances. ”
— Joe and Justin - The Okee Dokee Brothers
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Lakewood Cemetary Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Ave, , Minneapolis, MN 55408
Siama and his trio (w/ vocalist Dallas Johnson & percussionist Luke Rivard) are excited to perform as part of Lakewood's "Music in the Chapel" series. (Check the link for tickets & more info as the date nears.)
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Midtown Global Market, 920 E Lake St , Minneapolis, MN 55407
Bring the kids (especially 0-5s) to sing, dance, play shakers and have a blast with their friends at the market. Totally free, big fun.
Feel-good sounds from the Heart of Africa On this very special musical journey to Africa, Siama plays guitar and fascinating traditional instruments like Mbira and Balafon while Dallas Johnson encourages everyone to sing along to happy songs in Kikongo, Lingala & English and shares stories that bring Siama's rural homeland to life. Kids will have a chance to play shakers and the show ends with a fun dance party. This program is especially designed for kids and families but it's enjoyed by everyone so don't miss it!
Siama and Dallas are excited to perform in the park for the local library and the City of Hugo. Sweet, happy Congolese songs, harmonies and Siama's masterful acoustic guitar, mbira and balafon will make this an evening to remember. Bring the whole family (and a blanket or lawn chairs).
Feel-good sounds from the Heart of Africa On this very special musical journey to Africa, Siama plays guitar and fascinating traditional instruments like Mbira and Balafon while Dallas Johnson encourages everyone to sing along to happy songs in Kikongo, Lingala & English and shares stories that bring Siama's rural homeland to life. Kids will have a chance to play shakers and the show ends with a fun dance party. This program is especially designed for kids and families but it's enjoyed by everyone so don't miss it
Feel-good sounds from the Heart of Africa: On this very special musical journey to Africa, Siama plays guitar and fascinating traditional instruments like Mbira and Balafon while Dallas Johnson encourages everyone to sing along to happy songs in Kikongo, Lingala & English and shares stories that bring Siama's rural homeland to life. Kids will have a chance to play shakers and the show ends with a fun dance party. This program is especially designed for kids and families but it's enjoyed by everyone so don't miss it!
Feel-good sounds from the Heart of Africa: On this very special musical journey to Africa, Siama plays guitar and fascinating traditional instruments like Mbira and Balafon while Dallas Johnson encourages everyone to sing along to happy songs in Kikongo, Lingala & English and shares stories that bring Siama's rural homeland to life. Kids will have a chance to play shakers and the show ends with a fun dance party. This program is especially designed for kids and families but it's enjoyed by everyone so don't miss it!
We're excited to be part of this very special (free!) outdoor concert series on the lawn outside the MN History Center. For "Bands on the Boulevard", Siama's bringing his trusty guitar and traditional African instruments like mbira and balafon and he's bringing a groovin' 5-piece band that features Dallas Johnson (vocals & hand percussion), Steven Hobert (keyboard), Greg Byers (bass) & Luke Rivard (bass). Check back (or check the MN History Center's website) for more info as the date draws near.
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Join Siama, Dallas & Mikkel Beckmen for sweet Congolese folk music w/ American Traditional percussion (like washboard and more) while you enjoy delicious brunch and drinks. We LOVE playing HK. (Reserve a table in advance in the main room.) -Photo by Deborah Miller
Feel-good sounds from the Heart of AfricaOn this very special musical journey to Africa, Siama plays guitar and fascinating traditional instruments like Mbira and Balafon while Dallas Johnson encourages everyone to sing along to happy songs in Kikongo, Lingala & English and shares stories that bring Siama's rural homeland to life. Kids will have a chance to play shakers and the show ends with a fun dance party. This program is especially designed for kids and families but it's enjoyed by everyone so don't miss it!
We're coming back to sing with you!! Feel-good sounds from the Heart of Africa: On this very special musical journey to Africa, Siama plays guitar and fascinating traditional instruments like Mbira and Balafon while Dallas Johnson encourages everyone to sing along to happy songs in Kikongo, Lingala & English and shares stories that bring Siama's rural homeland to life. Kids will have a chance to play shakers and the show ends with a fun dance party. This program is especially designed for kids and families but it's enjoyed by everyone so don't miss it! (This special event is sponsored by the Winona Public Library.)
Feel-good sounds from the Heart of Africa On this very special musical journey to Africa, Siama plays guitar and fascinating traditional instruments like Mbira and Balafon while Dallas Johnson encourages everyone to sing along to happy songs in Kikongo, Lingala & English and shares stories that bring Siama's rural homeland to life. Kids will have a chance to play shakers and the show ends with a fun dance party. This program is especially designed for kids and families but it's enjoyed by everyone so don't miss it
Feel-good sounds from the Heart of Africa On this very special musical journey to Africa, Siama plays guitar and fascinating traditional instruments like Mbira and Balafon while Dallas Johnson encourages everyone to sing along to happy songs in Kikongo, Lingala & English and shares stories that bring Siama's rural homeland to life. Kids will have a chance to play shakers and the show ends with a fun dance party. This program is especially designed for kids and families but it's enjoyed by everyone so don't miss it
So excited to return to this very special library!! Feel-good sounds from the Heart of Africa On this very special musical journey to Africa, Siama plays guitar and fascinating traditional instruments like Mbira and Balafon while Dallas Johnson encourages everyone to sing along to happy songs in Kikongo, Lingala & English and shares stories that bring Siama's rural homeland to life. Kids will have a chance to play shakers and the show ends with a fun dance party. This program is especially designed for kids and families but it's enjoyed by everyone so don't miss it
Feel-good sounds from the Heart of Africa: On this very special musical journey to Africa, Siama plays guitar and fascinating traditional instruments like Mbira and Balafon while Dallas Johnson encourages everyone to sing along to happy songs in Kikongo, Lingala & English and shares stories that bring Siama's rural homeland to life. Kids will have a chance to play shakers and the show ends with a fun dance party. This program is especially designed for kids and families but it's enjoyed by everyone so don't miss it
Feel-good sounds from the Heart of Africa: On this very special musical journey to Africa, Siama plays guitar and fascinating traditional instruments like Mbira and Balafon while Dallas Johnson encourages everyone to sing along to happy songs in Kikongo, Lingala & English and shares stories that bring Siama's rural homeland to life. Kids will have a chance to play shakers and the show ends with a fun dance party. This program is especially designed for kids and families but it's enjoyed by everyone so don't miss it
Feel-good sounds from the Heart of Africa: On this very special musical journey to Africa, Siama plays guitar and fascinating traditional instruments like Mbira and Balafon while Dallas Johnson encourages everyone to sing along to happy songs in Kikongo, Lingala & English and shares stories that bring Siama's rural homeland to life. Kids will have a chance to play shakers and the show ends with a fun dance party. This program is especially designed for kids and families but it's enjoyed by everyone so don't miss it
Feel-good sounds from the Heart of Africa On this very special musical journey to Africa, Siama plays guitar and fascinating traditional instruments like Mbira and Balafon while Dallas Johnson encourages everyone to sing along to happy songs in Kikongo, Lingala & English and shares stories that bring Siama's rural homeland to life. Kids will have a chance to play shakers and the show ends with a fun dance party. This program is especially designed for kids and families but it's enjoyed by everyone so don't miss it
Siama & Dallas are excited to return to Burnhaven Library! Feel-good sounds from the Heart of Africa: On this very special musical journey to Africa, Siama plays guitar and fascinating traditional instruments like Mbira and Balafon while Dallas Johnson encourages everyone to sing along to happy songs in Kikongo, Lingala & English and shares stories that bring Siama's rural homeland to life. Kids will have a chance to play shakers and the show ends with a fun dance party. This program is especially designed for kids and families but it's enjoyed by everyone so don't miss it!