Artist

The Mbira Renaissance Band

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Playing fusion music out of Zimbabwe, by way of Edmonton Canada, The Mbira Renaissance Band fuses
ancient and contemporary mbira music with rock, reggae, jazz, and afro pop to produce a
unique, vibrant sound and high energy performance. Live performances draw in audiences
young and old as active members of the band, dancing and singing to participate in creating a
joyful, collective musical experience.

The band recently released its first full length album, Roto, which reached #1 on the CKUA
charts within a week of its release. This release follows 2 years of songwriting, recording and
the band's first international tour to Zimbabwe. The album’s themes include ancestry and family
heritage, joy, celebrations and lamentations. The band was joined by a handful of collaborators
in making the album, including Juno winners Okan and Jeremy Ledbetter.

In 2026, the Mbira Renaissance Band has performances booked in San Diego, USA, Trail,
Golden and Victoria, in British Columbia, with many more to come.

The group has performed at the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival, the Calgary Stampede,
Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Fest, The Canmore Folk Music Festival, Dead Ends Live, The
Edmonton International Jazz Festival.

Core band members include: Chaka Zinyemba (mbira,vocals); James Stuart (bass); Chiedza
Zinyemba (vocals; hosho); Geo Koufogiannakis (Guitar); Donald Moyo (Keyboard); Tony
Flanagan (Drums).

Monthly Listeners

1,265