Portland African Band 1
This Portland African Band is six-piece band playing music inspired by the rhythms of Southern and Western Africa. Their mix of traditional and original African-themed music is infectious, igniting rhythmic fire within the hearts and souls of their audience.
Portland African Band performance
Each performance of this Portland African Band is a celebratory event, a tribal atmosphere of good will and positive vibrations. Combining mbira (Zimbabwean kalimba), marimba (African xylophone), hand drums, saxophone, pennywhistle and vocal harmonies, the group creates a unique and varied sound. It is a sound which moves and delights their audiences, making them revelers.
Portland African Band repertoire
This Portland African Band repertoire consists of traditional songs from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Guinea and Ghana, songs passed on by master musicians from Africa. Many of their mbira-based songs date back hundreds of years and are used for healing purposes and spiritual ceremonies in Zimbabwe. The group also performs their own original material based upon these African traditions.
“A rhythm-centric party!” – The Oregonian A&E
“sensational!” – The Columbian (Vancouver, WA)
“A fantastic mix of music, costume and dance.” – The Seaside Signal
Thank you all for joining us for World Sounds 2012. You are all fantastic, and bring such good playful energy to the guests of the museum. Thank you for sharing your music and passion. I hope that we can continue having you all here throughout the years.” – Susan Choate, Portland Children’s museum
“Last night we had almost 300 people in attendance for [this band], a fabulous marimba band. By the last song, much of the crowd was up and dancing!” – Cherie Rainwater, Public Services Assistant, Tualatin Public Library
“Thanks so much for performing for us last night. Everyone had nothing but nice things to say about the performance. It is indeed joyful upbeat music!” – Julie Wickman, Tualatin Library Program Specialist
“I want to thank you…for playing at our 10th anniversary celebration! As you could see, everyone loved you.” – Laura Ford, NW Earth Institute
“…the joyous music was the perfect soundtrack for a summer afternoon in the park.” – Beatriz Pascual, Fairview-Columbia Library
“The students of PCC Cascade were very impressed with your music, and many asked us to invite you back again soon.” – Kendi Esary, Student Leadership Coordinator, Portland Community College, Cascade Campus
“…their performance was a delight.” – John Donovan, Metro Council Communications Officer
“…very talented and gifted musicians… I enthusiastically recommend individuals and organizations looking to bring a live musical performance to their campus to consider [this band].” – Heather Flynn, Director of Student Services, Linfield College – Portland Campus
“[This band] is a delight to the ear and eye that MAKES YOU WANT TO DANCE. This African-costumed band’s stage behavior is FUN to watch, and you can count on these pros to give a GREAT performance. They were the highlight of the 2005 Wilsonville Festival of Arts!” – Theonie Gilmore, Executive Director, Wilsonville Arts & Culture Council