A Center for World Music presentation 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 name Bhururu means “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 naturally evolved from moments of playing together and discovering a shared musical passion. When Kudzi 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.
For this San Diego Performance, Dan will be accompanied by two additional Zimbabwean master artists: Salani Matshoba and Napoleon Kudzie Jambwa.
La Jolla Community Center
This is the first of six concerts in our 2026 Global Stage Passport Series.
February 20th, 2026 | The Clinton Davis String Band: American String Traditions
March 20th, 2026 | Oghlan Bakshi: The Bardic Traditions of Turkmenistan
Mingei International Museum
April 17th, 2026 | Ivan and Tzvetanka Varimezov: Music from the Villages of Bulgaria
May 15th, 2026 | Shadow Puppetry & Gamelan of Java with Woro Mustiko Siwi
June 19th, 2026 | Lernazang Ensemble: Revitalizing Armenian Heritage Through Music and Dance
