Pata Pata

Our marimba band had the honour of playing at a silver jubilee this week. It’s always a pleasure bringing the sounds of southern Africa to audiences in the UK.

Music, PerformancesOtto Gumaelius10 July 2024Miriam Makeba, Marimba, Pata PataComment

Elementary Festival

We were pleased to join this year’s edition of Elementary Festival in Oxfordshire where we delivered mbira, marimba, drumming and dance workshops.

WorkshopsOtto Gumaelius5 July 2024Elementary Festival, Workshops, Marimba, Drumming, DanceComment

Cultural Week at Hampton Vale Primary

We were honoured to be part of Cultural Week at Hampton Vale Primary Academy where we performed for the children and gave workshops.

Workshops, PerformancesOtto Gumaelius1 July 2024Cultural Week, Primary SchoolComment

Eco Warrior Week at Westbrook Hay School

We were pleased to spend the day at Westbrook Hay School today sharing our African cultural music with the students there.

Otto Gumaelius2 February 2024Comment

Chamakanda - African Tale from Zimbabwe

It is National Storytelling Week in the UK and we thought we would share a little African tale from Zimbabwe called Chamakanda.

Storytelling, Zimbabwe, MusicOtto Gumaelius1 February 2022Chamakanda, African Storytelling, MbiraComment

Happy International Women's Day 2021

We asked some of the inspirational women of southern Africa to share their insights into what International Women’s Day means to them.

PeopleOtto Gumaelius8 March 2021women's day, international women's day, women's day 2021Comment

Southern Africa Magwinya (Vetkoek / Fat Cake) Recipe

Magwinya are a very popular treat enjoyed right across the African continent. Learn how to make this popular snack with our easy to follow recipe.

RecipiesOtto Gumaelius10 December 2020magwinya, vetkoek, amagwinyaComment

The Traditional Mbira of the Shona People of Zimbabwe

The mbira is an instrument of deep spiritual significance to the Shona people of Zimbabwe. It is played by plucking metal keys fixed to a wooden soundboard.

Music, HistoryOtto Gumaelius22 May 2020mbira, mbira dzavadzimu, nhare, matepe, njari, zimbabwe, shona, nyunga nyunga, kalimbaComment

Cultural Wear and Fabrics from Southern Africa

From Shweshwe worn in Lesotho, Botswana and South Africa to Samacaca worn in Angola, we explore some of the fabrics and cultural wear worn in southern Africa.

Setapa Traditional Dance From Botswana

Setapa is one of many traditional dances originating from the Tswana speaking people of southern Africa.

Rest in Peace Oliver Mtukudzi - An Obituary

It is with immense sadness that we learn of Dr Oliver Mtukudzi's passing earlier on this afternoon, January 23rd, in Harare, Zimbabwe.

People, MusicOtto Gumaelius23 January 2019Oliver Mtukudzi, Zimbabwe, TukuComment

Chief Theresa Kachindamoto

Theresa Kachindamoto is a formidable leader who has fought sternly for the well-being of young girls and women in Malawi.

PeopleOtto Gumaelius19 December 2018Malawi, Theresa Kachindamoto, Chief, Leadership, Dedza DisctrictComment

Zambia's Freedom Statue

Standing in the heart of Zambia’s capital city, Lusaka, is this statue, known as Freedom Statue. Few know the remarkable story behind it, and who the statue is sculpted after.

LandmarksOtto Gumaelius14 December 2018Freedom StatueFreedom Statue, Zambia, Lusaka, Mpundu Mutembo, Kenneth Kaunda, Zanco, MbalaComment

Graça Simbine Machel

Mozambique’s Graça Machel is a phenomenal leader who has done an incredible amount to improve the lives of the people of southern Africa and around the world.