Boka Marimba is an 8-person band that specializes in high-energy marimba music from Zimbabwe. Eight wooden marimbas of various sizes combine with drums and vocals to create a rich tapestry of polyphony and harmonies. The booming bass marimba stands five feet tall and is the centerpiece of the stage. Boka Marimba shows are a feast for both the ears and the eyes as players move their mallets with lightning speed and precision. The African-style marimbas have a unique sound created by the buzzers on the resonator tubes. People hearing the music for the first time describe the feeling of “coming home.” People who don’t usually dance at concerts feel the irresistible urge to get up and move.
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Write a reviewPrice range: $1200-3000
Languages: English
Gig length: 45 - 240 minutes
Boka Marimba is the perfect band for many kinds of events. People love to dance to our music but we also captivate audiences in a seated situation because our music is fun to watch with all the kinetic energy on stage. We also aim to educate our audiences about the culture of Zimbabwe so we are suitable for multicultural events, presentations and school settings.
Boka Marimba was founded in 1987 when a group taking workshops with Zimbabwean master musician, Dumi Maraire, decided to build their own instruments and form a band with his guidance. The band quickly became popular and won “Best World Music Band” at the Portland Music Awards in 1991. Over the years Boka Marimba has attracted and trained high caliber musicians from all genres of music. The sheer pleasure of playing this exhilarating music and the relationships formed with visiting Zimbabwean musicians is the glue that bonds Boka together and makes it Portland’s most long-lived band.
Our marimbas are naturally amplified by the resonator tubes and don’t require mics in indoor setting and most outdoor settings. We only need eight vocal mics and a kick drum floor mic. Boka Marimba has their own sound system including monitors and speakers. No special lighting is needed.
The names of our songs will probably be unfamiliar to most audiences but they will instantly fall in love with the groove:
Nhemamusasa, Bangidza, Taisereva, Chipendura, Ma’Ncube, Butsu Mutandari, Hombi, Kwa Langa, Pahbasikoro, Amaxoxo, Bukatiende, Ekwanongoma, Mhondoro, The Click Song and many others
Traditional marimba and mbira music from Zimbabwe and neighboring countries is Boka Marimba’s primary influence. We also draw on the Afro-pop sounds of Zimbabwean superstars Thoma Mapfumo, the Bhundu Boys, Oliver Mtukudzi and Stella Chiweshe to name a few.
We provide our own sound system so nothing else is required
African Entertainment
