Transplanted Zimbabwean Traditions Blossom on West Coast

Zimbabwean music has traditionally been closely connected to the ideas of community, and used to develop human consciousness and healthy societies. Dumisani “Dumi” Maraire, born and raised in Zimbabwe and a professor of ethnomusicology at University of Washington and Evergreen State College in the 1970’s, managed to single-handedly bring marimba and mbira music from Zimbabwe to North America, and Seattle specifically.

The West Coast has become a Zimbabwean music hot spot because of Dumi’s teaching and sharing, despite the fact that he moved home to Zimbabwe for good in 1990. Many of his marimba students followed Dumi to Africa for further instruction, learning even more about traditional Zimbabwean music and its cultural significance in communities. This has created a network of connections between African and American musicians, and a cross-cultural and cross-national sense of community.

The Zimbabwean Music Festival, also known as “Zimfest,” is an annual celebration of Zimbabwean music and culture on the West Coast. Zimfest 2018 is August 9th-12th, in Monmouth, Oregon. Started 26 years ago by former students of Dumi, Zimfest is the largest annual gathering in North America of students, teachers, performers, and fans of Zimbabwean music. Over a 4-day weekend, participants can attend concerts, workshops, community conversations, and connect with the rich legacy of cultural expansion created by an incredible musician and teacher.