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

Postponed (date tba) 4Kids Siama's Congo Music

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Red Lake Falls Public Library, 105 Champagne Ave SW, Red Lake Falls, MN 56750

Siama and Dallas are excited to bring fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Northwest Regional Library System! Kids and families will be encouraged to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while hearing fun stories that bring Siama's rural Bas Congo childhood to life. This is a rare opportunity to be immersed in happy African music so don't miss it! It's Free Admission and designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages. This program is brought to you thanks to COMPAS with the help of Legacy Funds via a MN State Arts Board MN Arts Tour grant.

Postponed (date tba) 4Kids Siama's Congo Music

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Warren Alvarado Oslo School, 224 E Bridge Ave, Warren, MN 56762

Siama and Dallas are excited to bring fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Northwest Region System! Kids and families will be encouraged to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while hearing fun stories that bring Siama's rural Bas Congo childhood to life. This is a rare opportunity to be immersed in happy African music so don't miss it! It's Free Admission and designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages. This program is brought to you thanks to COMPAS with the help of Legacy Funds via a MN State Arts Board MN Arts Tour grant.

Postponed (date tba) 4Kids Siama's Congo Music

 —  —

Karlstad Elementary School, 303 Pembina Tr, Karlstad, MN 56732

Siama and Dallas are excited to bring fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Northwest Regional Library System! Kids and families will be encouraged to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while hearing fun stories that bring Siama's rural Bas Congo childhood to life. This is a rare opportunity to be immersed in happy African music so don't miss it! It's Free Admission and designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages. This program is brought to you thanks to COMPAS with the help of Legacy Funds via a MN State Arts Board MN Arts Tour grant.

Canceled Arts Advocacy Day (but being held online)

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Minnesota History Center Rotunda, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN

Siama and Dallas are so excited to play music for such an incredible event! On this special day, Artists and Supporters from all over MN will meet in the Rotunda and then set off to speak with elected representatives to talk about how important the Arts are to the health and economy of our state.

Family Concert for The Schubert Club

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Hallie Q Brown Community Center, 270 N Kent St, St Paul, MN 55102

Thanks to a wonderful invitation by The Schubert Club, Siama is delighted to present a full band concert especially for kids and families, featuring his signature intricate guitar, balafon, mbira, tongue drum and spirited singing with the exciting accompaniment of bass, keyboard and energetic drumming. Don't miss it!

Family Concert for The Schubert Club

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Saint Anthony Lutheran Church, 2323 Como Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108

Thanks to a wonderful invitation by The Schubert Club, Siama is delighted to present a full band concert especially for kids and families, featuring his signature intricate guitar, balafon, mbira, tongue drum and spirited singing with the exciting accompaniment of bass, keyboard and energetic drumming. Don't miss it!