A Night of Zimbabwean
Music*Dance*Drumming*Song
Vashon Sugar Shack
Saturday, July 25th
7:30pm
Food & full bar available
$15 cover at the door
21+
Join us for a vibrant night of Zimbabwean music, dance, drumming, and song featuring Ratie D, Rujeko Dumbutshena, John Mambira, and Napoleon Jambwa with Ukama Band. An unforgettable celebration of Zimbabwean culture.
John Mambira
Originally from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, John Mambira is the founder of the acclaimed band Bongo Love. Since arriving in the United States in 2007, he has shared the joy of Zimbabwean drumming, marimba, dance, and theater arts with audiences and students across the Pacific Northwest, earning a reputation as one of the region's most vibrant ambassadors of Zimbabwean culture.
Ratie D
A captivating vocalist and world music artist, Ratie D channels Zimbabwe's spirit through her powerful voice and contemporary sensibility. She has performed at Carnegie Hall and released her debut EP, Ink & Melodies, which blends traditional Zimbabwean influences with modern expression. Her music is a bridge between cultures, rooted in tradition and alive in the present.
Rujeko Dumbutshena
Rujeko is a Zimbabwean born dancer, teacher, cultural arts community organizer, and performing artist of African dance practices. She is currently an Assistant Professor in Dance at the University of Florida. Rujeko Dumbutshena has performed and taught across the United States and internationally. For 16 years, she directed African music and dance camps featuring artists from across Africa. She was an original cast member of the Broadway musical FELA!
Napoleon Jambwa
Born and raised in Highfield, Harare, Kudzie Jambwa grew up steeped in Zimbabwe's musical traditions. Taught his first mbira song by his father at age five, he went on to master marimba, ngoma, hosho, and a range of modern instruments, and added dance, from traditional African to Western styles, to his remarkable repertoire. He is a complete artist in every sense of the word.
Ukama Band
Ukama is a Northwest-based band and emerging arts initiative that brings people together through music, culture, and community. We promote and back artists, helping bring meaningful cultural exchange, live performance, and connection to our communities.