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 will be joined by vocalist Dallas Johnson, pianist Steve Hobert, percussionist David Tullist & Bassist Greg Myers for this very special Congolese jazz concert near the North checkpoint of MSP Airport's Terminal 1.
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.)
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.)
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.)
Your young ones will have a blast singing and dancing with Siama and Dallas in the vibrant and welcoming environs of this international market. Here's the full market calendar https://midtownglobalmarket.org/events.
Siama and Dallas are delighted to return to Winona to play with picking guitar phenom Mike Munson! Check back for more details.
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!
Siama's looking forward to performing a special solo set as a warmup for Samite. Check out the website for info. https://www.thecedar.org/listing-2/2019/7/15/samite
Siama & Dallas love playing and singing in the Regions atrium as patients, friends, doctors, nurses and other folks wander by during their lunch break. It's such a peaceful, healing vibe.