Siama's Congo Roots
Feel-good music from the Heart of Africa

If you're here because we sang at your school, Mbote, Moninga! ("hello, my friend"). I hope you're singing and making music. Tokomonana! ("See you again")

If you're a Minnesota teacher or administrator, use this link to book Siama's fun cultural music program at your school for FREE(!), much thanks to Classical MPR's "Class Notes Concerts"

Back in Africa, Siama Matuzungidi (see-AHH-maw) became a soukous legend, recording his intricate guitar on hundreds of songs and touring the world with popular artists. Now in Minneapolis, his catchy, upbeat songs and musicianship have earned him a McKnight Fellowship, numerous grants and a Parents' Choice Parent Approved award. He and his wife Dallas Johnson (singer/narrator) love performing special concerts and events and sharing his happy music with kids and families. In addition to singing and guitar, Siama plays traditional African instruments like Mbira (thumb piano), Lokole (tone drum) and Balafon (marimba) and he's a mean beatboxer. 

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

We dig it! A great addition to the family music mosaic! Outstanding rhythms and performances. ”

— Joe and Justin - The Okee Dokee Brothers

Previous events

Siama's Congo Roots

Westcot Library, 1340 Wescott Rd, Eagan, MN 55123

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's Congo Roots

Crooked Lake Library, Coon Rapids, MN

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's Congo Roots

Mapleton Public Library, 104 1st Ave NE, Mapleton, MN 56065

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's Congo Roots

Lake Crystal Public Library, 100 E Robinson St, Lake Crystal, MN 56055

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!

Bands on the Boulevard

 —  —

MN History Center

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.

TBA

 —  —

Siama's Congo Roots

 —  —

Wabasha Public Library, 168 Allegheny Ave, Wabasha, MN

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!

Siama's Congo Roots

 —  —

Winona County History Center, Winona, MN

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.)

Siama's Congo Roots

New Brighton Library, New Brighton, MN

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's Congo Roots

Rochester Library, Rochester, MN

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's Congo Roots

Houston Library, Houston, MN

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

Siama's Congo Roots

Morris Public Library, 102 E 6th St, Morris, MN

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's Congo Roots

Glenwood Library, 108 1st Ave SE, Glenwood, MN

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's Congo Roots

Douglas County Library, 720 Fillmore St, Alexandria, MN

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