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

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

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Sauk Center Library, 430 Main St S, Sauk Centre, MN 56378

Siama and Dallas are excited to share their fun Congolese folk music with you! Be ready to sing in Kikongo, Lingala and English while you learn about music and culture in Siama's rural homeland. This program is especially designed for kids but enjoyed by all so everyone is welcome! (Hosted by COMPAS and made possible thanks to Legacy Funds through a MN State Arts Board MN Arts Tour grant.)

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

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Savanna Prairie Community Room , 260 Magnus Johnson Street N, Kimball, MN 55353

Siama and Dallas are excited to share their fun Congolese folk music with you! Be ready to sing in Kikongo, Lingala and English while you learn about music and culture in Siama's rural homeland. This program is especially designed for kids but enjoyed by all so everyone is welcome! (Hosted by Kimball Public Library & COMPAS and made possible thanks to Legacy Funds through a MN State Arts Board MN Arts Tour grant.)

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

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Long Prairie Public Library, Long Prairie Library, 42 Third St. N., Long Prairie, MN 5634755

Siama and Dallas are excited to share their fun Congolese folk music with you! Be ready to sing in Kikongo, Lingala and English while you learn about music and culture in Siama's rural homeland. This program is especially designed for kids but enjoyed by all so everyone is welcome! (Hosted by COMPAS and made possible thanks to Legacy Funds through a MN State Arts Board MN Arts Tour grant.)

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

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Upsala Elementary School, 415 S Main St, Upsala, MN 56384

Siama and Dallas are excited to share their fun Congolese folk music with you! Be ready to sing in Kikongo, Lingala and English while you learn about music and culture in Siama's rural homeland. This program is especially designed for kids but enjoyed by all so everyone is welcome! (Hosted by COMPAS and made possible thanks to Legacy Funds through a MN State Arts Board MN Arts Tour grant.)

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

Saint Peter Public Library, 601 S. Washington Ave, Saint Peter, MN 56082

Siama and Dallas' library show is brimming with fun Congolese music. Everyone's 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 at your library so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

Siama's Congo Music

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Winona Public Library, 151 W 5th St, Winona, MN 55987

Join Siama and Dallas for a musical adventure to Africa! Siama sings and plays guitar and traditional African instruments like Mbira & Balafon while Dallas encourages everyone to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English. Kids get to play shakers and the show ends with a fun dance song. This program is designed especially for kids and families but enjoyed by all so don't miss it!