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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Park Grove Library, Cottage Grove, MN

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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Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 W Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55409

Siama (on guitar and fun traditional African instruments like mbira & balafon), singer Dallas Johnson and percussionist Tim O'Keefe are so excited to play Siama's fun music with kids at Lake Harriet Bandshell! We'll encourage everyone to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while you hear fun stories from Siama's childhood in rural Bas Congo. It's totally free and we'll have a blast so don't miss it!

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

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Pine Island High School, 223 1st Ave SE, Pine Island, MN 55963

Siama and Dallas encourage kids 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

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Westcott Library, Eagan, MN

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.)

Siama & Dallas invite kids and families on a journey to the Land of Yangalele ("happiness" in Kikongo), using stories and songs to bring to life Siama's childhood in rural DR Congo. Everyone's encouraged to sing fun songs in Kikongo, Lingala and Swahili and every show ends with a fun dance party.

Burnsville International Festival

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Nicollet Commons Park , 12550 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville, MN 55337

Siama's excited to bring his feel-good music to this very special event! He'll be joined by an incredible band: Dallas Johnson on vocals and shakers, Steven Hobert on keys, Tony Axtell on Bass and Kevin Washington on drums. Together they conure up a jazz-funkedified take on Siama's gorgeous Congolese music. Can't wait! Check out the website for info on the Burnsville International Festival. https://intlfestburnsville.org/

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

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Stillwater Carnegie Public Library, 224 3rd St N, Stillwater, MN 55082

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 so don't miss it!

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

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Skyview Community Middle School, 1100 Heron Ave N , St Paul, MN 55128

Siama, drummer Tim O'Keefe and singer Dallas Johnson can't wait to bring their spirited Congolese music program to Skyview! They'll encourage everyone to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English as they play guitar, percussion and fun traditional African instruments like mbira and balafon. This'll be a blast so don't miss it!

A special thanks to Washington County Library for making the magic happen.

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

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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.)

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/