Hosted at the La Jolla Community Center
Experience the rich cultural and musical heritage of Zimbabwe through the traditional sounds of the mbira (Zimbabwean “thumb piano”), accompanied by the rhythmic pulse of hosho shakers. Played for over a thousand years, the mbira has been central to Shona spiritual ceremonies, storytelling, and community gatherings.
The ensemble Mbira Bhururu offers audiences an exploration of the instrument’s intricate layered melodies, the interplay between rhythm and tune, and the ways music fosters cultural continuity and connection to ancestry.
During the audience Q&A following the concert, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the musicians, learning about Zimbabwean musical traditions and the ways these artists carry forward a centuries-old cultural legacy.
About the Artists
Mbira Bhururu is a vibrant collaboration of mbira players united by friendship and the spirit of Zimbabwean tradition. The word Bhururu in the group’s name evokes “friendship born after connection through something meaningful.” Each member contributes their own unique playing style, blending traditional Shona mbira music with diverse rhythms and contemporary expression. Together, they create a rich and soulful sound that celebrates cultural unity and audience participation.
Founded by Dan Kusaya and Salani Matshoba, Mbira Bhururu evolved naturally from moments of playing together and discovering a shared musical passion. When Kudzie Jambwa later joined, the group’s energy and sound deepened further. Every performance invites the audience to become part of the Bhururu family—connected through the music of mbira and the friendship it inspires.
Dan Kusaya is a dynamic multi-instrumentalist, composer, and cultural educator from Rusape, Zimbabwe. Now based in Indiana, Dan is a master of mbira, marimba, hosho, and ngoma. Performing with multiple ensembles—including the Dan Kusaya Band, Music Special, Sweet Dreamers Marimba Project, and Dance Africa Carolina—Dan brings the vibrant rhythms and melodies of Zimbabwean music to audiences across the United States.
Beyond the stage, Dan is deeply committed to arts education and youth empowerment. He leads workshops and music programs for children in Zimbabwe and the U.S., using traditional music to foster creativity, confidence, and cultural pride. Through his work with the Sweet Dreamers Marimba Project and other educational initiatives, Dan continues to inspire young learners to embrace their heritage and the unifying power of music.
Salani “Wamkanganise” Matshoba is a celebrated mbira player, multi-instrumentalist, and instrument maker from Harare, Zimbabwe. His musical journey began at the age of eight, inspired by his uncle—a spiritual healer whose teachings ignited Salani’s deep connection to mbira music, cultural heritage, and African values. Guided by respected mbira players, he developed a rich, expressive style that honors ancestral traditions.
Salani’s talents have taken him across the globe—including performances in Kobe and Kyoto, Japan—and into notable collaborations. He recorded with the Munzwo Mbira Ensemble for Facebook’s Sound Collection in 2019 and contributed to the documentation that led to the mbira’s recognition by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020.
Napolleon “Kudzie” Jambwa is a Zimbabwean musician, dancer, and educator born and raised in the vibrant Highfield neighborhood of Harare. Immersed in a musical family, he began learning mbira at just five years old, sitting on his father’s lap as he played the traditional song Karigamombe. That early foundation sparked a lifelong journey through Zimbabwe’s rich musical traditions.
He went on to master marimba, hosho, and ngoma drums, as well as expanding his repertoire to include contemporary instruments. Today, Napoleon performs and teaches internationally, sharing the rhythms, stories, and movements of Zimbabwean culture.
Tickets
General Admission: $35 | VIP Seating: $55
Complimentary valet parking is available for this event from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Please check in with an attendant near the venue entrance.
This is the first of six concerts in our 2026 Global Stage Passport Series. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter for more information about upcoming events.
Funders
This activity is funded in part by the City of San Diego Cultural Affairs.
This activity is funded in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency.
This programming is supported in part by Creative West and the National Endowment for the Arts.
