This summer I was able to take a class with Siama Matuzungidi (see-AHH-maw). Siama is Congolese but now lives in Minneapolis, and he loves to share his happy music with kids and their families. Siama sings and plays guitar, as well as other African instruments like mbira (thumb piano) and balafon (marimba).
Siama traveled all over Africa playing a style of music called "soukous," a type of dance music from the Congo Basin. He now sings and plays with his partner, Dallas here in Minneapolis.
1. Using Google Maps, can you find the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa and see where Siama grew up?
2. Watch Siama and Dallas perform the song "Malembe." Notice that Dallas is playing a shaker. What can you find in your home that shakes? A box of macaroni? A cup filled with rice? Find something to shake and play along!
Siama traveled all over Africa playing a style of music called "soukous," a type of dance music from the Congo Basin. He now sings and plays with his partner, Dallas here in Minneapolis.
1. Using Google Maps, can you find the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa and see where Siama grew up?
2. Watch Siama and Dallas perform the song "Malembe." Notice that Dallas is playing a shaker. What can you find in your home that shakes? A box of macaroni? A cup filled with rice? Find something to shake and play along!