The workshop will be conducted by 6-piece band from Zimbabwe – Blessing ‘BLED’ Chimanga, who will share their music and talk about their style of writing, performance, influences and also share their musical journey.

The band’s music is marked by a unique and pure African sound created out of Chimanga’s beautiful marimba playing, lead vocals and energy, while Elisha Zimbeva (keys & mbira), Igiel Njolomah (bass) and Tulani Kuwani (sax & guitar) keep the heavy pulsating rhythm together with Blessing Muparutsa (drums & percussion).

The main attraction of their show is the high African energy and joy of playing that they bring live on stage. The lyrics of the songs are in English and Shona (Zimbabwe’s main local language). After their first CD, they’re releasing a brand-new album right on time for their world tour 2018. So far the band has toured in India, Indonesia, Thailand, Tanzania, South Africa, Zambia, Botswana and Argentina.

About the Artists

Blessing Chimanga is an internationally acclaimed marimba player, singer, songwriter and percussionist from Zimbabwe. He’s been touring the world (Asia, Europe, North & South America, Africa) with his own African bands as well as with intercultural projects as musical ambassador for Zimbabwe, e.g. Zimboita, Kunzwana #1 and Mama Africa. Blessing’s music is marked by a unique sound produced out of his virtuous marimba playing and the traditional rhythms of Africa. Blessing is currently one of the fastest rising musicians of his country and has performed at many well known festivals, a.o. HIFA (ZW), Global Isai Festival (India), Barefeet Festival (Zambia), Iguazu En Concieto (ARG), Glatt & Verkehrt (A).Elisha Zimbeva is the keyboard player and musical director of the band. He also plays the mbira, a traditonal Zimbabwean music instrument (also known as ‘kalimba’ or ‘thumb piano’). His jazz style brings a unique presence in this afro jazz music.

Blessing Muparutsa is the drummer and backing vocalist. He’s one of the top drummers in Zimbabwe with over 200 recorded albums.

Tulani Kuwani is the saxophone player and guitarist of the band. He brings additional sounds to the music and makes the melodies sweeter.

Igiel Njolomah The bass guitarist is also the youngest member of the band and a master of groove.

Venue

Global Music Institute, 7a, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310