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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Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior St, Duluth Minnesota 55802, MN

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. It's a joy to immerse yourself in happy African music so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

4kids Siama's Congo Music

 —  —

Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior St, Duluth Minnesota 55802, MN

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. It's a joy to immerse yourself in happy African music so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

Special Full Band Concert

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Art Works Eagan, 3795 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, MN 55112

Siama's bringing an exciting jazz-funk band for this very special show and in addition to guitar, he'll play cool traditional African instruments like balafon, mbira as he invites us all on a journey to rural Bas Congo, his homeland. Be ready to sing along and try call-and-response to his fun, catchy songs in Lingala, Kikongo (and English). This is gonna be FUN. Bring everybody!

This interactive event welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to listen and learn. NOTE: It was going to be outdoors but due to extreme heat will take place inside (just up the road from Caponi Art Park). Address above is correct. Tickets just $5 (via the link)

https://www.caponiartpark.org/programs-and-events/summer-performance-series/

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

Robert Trail Library/Rosemount

Siama and Dallas will encourage kids and families to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while hearing fun stories that bring Siama's rural Bas Congo childhood to life. (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

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Cannon Falls Library, Cannon Falls Library, 306 W Mill St, Cannon Falls, MN 55009

Siama and Dallas are excited to encourage everyone to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while hearing fun stories that bring Siama's rural Bas Congo childhood to life. (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

Glencoe Library, 1107 11th St E, Glencoe, MN

Thanks to a MN State Arts Board grant and COMPAS, Siama and Dallas are bringing fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Pioneerland 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. It's a joy to immerse yourself in happy African music so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

Olivia Library, 405 S 10th St, Olivia, MN

Thanks to a MN State Arts Board grant and COMPAS, Siama and Dallas are bringing fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Pioneerland 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. It's a joy to immerse yourself in happy African music so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

Brownton Library, 335 3rd St S, Brownton, MN

Thanks to a MN State Arts Board grant and COMPAS, Siama and Dallas are bringing fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Pioneerland 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. It's a joy to immerse yourself in happy African music so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

Atwater Library, 107 Pleasant Ave W, Atwater, MN

Thanks to a MN State Arts Board grant and COMPAS, Siama and Dallas are bringing fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Pioneerland 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. It's a joy to immerse yourself in happy African music so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

Spicer Library, 198 Manitoba St, Spicer, MN

Thanks to a MN State Arts Board grant and COMPAS, Siama and Dallas are bringing fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Pioneerland 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. It's a joy to immerse yourself in happy African music so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

Maynard Library, 331 Mason Ave, Maynard, MN

Thanks to a MN State Arts Board grant and COMPAS, Siama and Dallas are bringing fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Pioneerland 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. It's a joy to immerse yourself in happy African music so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

Raymond Library, 208 Spicer Ave, Raymond, MN

Thanks to a MN State Arts Board grant and COMPAS, Siama and Dallas are bringing fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Pioneerland 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. It's a joy to immerse yourself in happy African music so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)