From Zimbabwe to Indonesia: Max Berry’s Musical Journey
Max Berry has been involved with the Center for World Music (CWM) and its World Music in the Schools program for almost two decades. A passionate and versatile musician, Max has explored a wide range of traditions, studying guitar, mbira, marimba, and gamelan. His deep curiosity and commitment to learning have made him a respected member of the local music community—and a valued addition to the CWM artist roster.
Max’s musical journey began in his teenage years in Ohio with the guitar. It continued through his studies at California State University San Marcos, where he earned a degree in Visual and Performing Arts. There, under the mentorship of music professor Randy Griswold, he was introduced to the traditional Shona music of Zimbabwe—an experience that sparked a lifelong interest in the music of world cultures. This passion led him to study with renowned Zimbabwean mbira masters Forward Kwenda and Cosmas Magaya, as well as other respected gwenyambiras.
After relocating to San Diego, Max quickly became a sought-after performer in the city’s vibrant world music scene. He formed close collaborations with fellow CWM teaching artists Nomsa Burkhardt and Garit Imhoff, eventually becoming a founding member of two ensembles: Izinde and Zimbeat. The latter was nominated for Best World Music Ensemble at the 2013 San Diego Music Awards. Today, Max continues to perform with both groups while also playing guitar for Mokoto, a local Afro-pop band dedicated to Shona music.
His musical exploration didn’t stop there. Inspired by CWM teaching artist Pak Djoko Walujo, Max undertook a serious study of Javanese gamelan and now performs West Javanese gamelan degung with Kembang Sunda, one of the CWM’s Ensembles-in-Residence.
Known for his calm presence and approachable nature, Max is especially gifted at working with children. He spent several years teaching guitar at America’s Finest Charter School and recently taught mbira for a semester at the San Diego French American School through a World Music in the Schools residency.
As a frequent performer in World Music in the Schools assemblies in the San Diego area, Max has introduced thousands of students to the music and cultures of Zimbabwe, South Africa, Java, and beyond, making a lasting impact through the universal language of music.
Watch Max playing mbira with John Hofisi, a colleague from the band Mokoto:
Listen to the album “Messenger” by Mokoto.
Watch Max (center) performing with Kembang Sunda: