Siama's Congo Roots
Feel-good music from the Heart of Africa

If you're here because we sang at your school, Mbote, Moninga! ("hello, my friend"). I hope you're singing and making music. Tokomonana! ("See you again")

If you're a Minnesota teacher or administrator, use this link to book Siama's fun cultural music program at your school for FREE(!), much thanks to Classical MPR's "Class Notes Concerts"

Back in Africa, Siama Matuzungidi (see-AHH-maw) became a soukous legend, recording his intricate guitar on hundreds of songs and touring the world with popular artists. Now in Minneapolis, his catchy, upbeat songs and musicianship have earned him a McKnight Fellowship, numerous grants and a Parents' Choice Parent Approved award. He and his wife Dallas Johnson (singer/narrator) love performing special concerts and events and sharing his happy music with kids and families. In addition to singing and guitar, Siama plays traditional African instruments like Mbira (thumb piano), Lokole (tone drum) and Balafon (marimba) and he's a mean beatboxer. 

When we listen to Siama's, "Land of Yangalele" we hear home, Mama Africa. This is very beautiful music everyone can enjoy.”

— Ladysmith Black Mambazo

We dig it! A great addition to the family music mosaic! Outstanding rhythms and performances. ”

— Joe and Justin - The Okee Dokee Brothers

Previous events

Thanks to a MN State Arts Board grant and COMPAS, Siama and Dallas are bringing fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Arrowhead Library System! Kids and families will be encouraged to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while hearing fun stories that bring Siama's rural Bas Congo childhood to life. As your neighbors who joined Siama and Dallas when they performed in Grand Marais in early 2018 can attest, it's a joy to immerse yourself in happy African music so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

Silver Bay Public Library, 9 Davis Dr, Silver Bay, MN

Thanks to a MN State Arts Board grant and COMPAS, Siama and Dallas are bringing fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Arrowhead Library System! Kids and families will be encouraged to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while hearing fun stories that bring Siama's rural Bas Congo childhood to life. This is a rare opportunity to be immersed in happy African music in your library so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

Babbitt Public Library, 71 South Dr, Babbitt, MN

Thanks to a MN State Arts Board grant and COMPAS, Siama and Dallas are bringing fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Arrowhead Library System! Kids and families will be encouraged to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while hearing fun stories that bring Siama's rural Bas Congo childhood to life. This is a rare opportunity to be immersed in happy African music in your library so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

International Falls Public Library, 750 4th St, International Falls, MN

Thanks to a MN State Arts Board grant and COMPAS, Siama and Dallas are bringing fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Arrowhead Library System! Kids and families will be encouraged to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while hearing fun stories that bring Siama's rural Bas Congo childhood to life. This is a rare opportunity to be immersed in happy African music in your library so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

Baudette Public Library, 110 1st St SW, Baudette, MN

Thanks to a MN State Arts Board grant and COMPAS, Siama and Dallas are bringing fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Arrowhead Library System! Kids and families will be encouraged to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while hearing fun stories that bring Siama's rural Bas Congo childhood to life. This is a rare opportunity to be immersed in happy African music in your library so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

Evelyth Public Library, 614 Pierce St, Evelyth, MN

Thanks to a MN State Arts Board grant and COMPAS, Siama and Dallas are bringing fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Arrowhead Library System! Kids and families will be encouraged to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while hearing fun stories that bring Siama's rural Bas Congo childhood to life. This is a rare opportunity to be immersed in happy African music in your local library so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

Siama's Congo Music

Hoyt Lakes Public Library, 206 Kennedy Memorial Dr, Hoyt Lakes, MN 55750

Thanks to a MN State Arts Board grant and COMPAS, Siama and Dallas are bringing fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Arrowhead Library System! Kids and families will be encouraged to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while hearing fun stories that bring Siama's rural Bas Congo childhood to life. It's a joy to immerse yourself in happy African music so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

4Kids Siama & Dallas

Cook Public Library, 103 S River St, Cook, MN

Thanks to a MN State Arts Board grant and COMPAS, Siama and Dallas are bringing fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Arrowhead Library System! Kids and families will be encouraged to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while hearing fun stories that bring Siama's rural Bas Congo childhood to life. This is a rare opportunity to be immersed in happy African music in your local library so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

4Kids Siama & Dallas

Hibbing Public Library, 2020 5th Ave E, Hibbing, MN

Thanks to a MN State Arts Board grant and COMPAS, Siama and Dallas are bringing fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Arrowhead Library System! Kids and families will be encouraged to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while hearing fun stories that bring Siama's rural Bas Congo childhood to life. This is a rare opportunity to be immersed in happy African music in your local library so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

Grand Rapids Public Library, 140 NE 2nd St, Grand Rapids, MN

Thanks to a MN State Arts Board grant and COMPAS, Siama and Dallas are bringing fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Arrowhead Library System! Kids and families will be encouraged to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while hearing fun stories that bring Siama's rural Bas Congo childhood to life. This is a rare opportunity to be immersed in happy African music in your local library so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

Greenway High School, 308 Roosevelt St, Coleraine, MN

Thanks to a MN State Arts Board grant and COMPAS, Siama and Dallas are bringing fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Arrowhead Library System! Kids and families will be encouraged to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while hearing fun stories that bring Siama's rural Bas Congo childhood to life. This is a rare opportunity to be immersed in happy African music in your local high school so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

Calumet Public Library, 932 Gary St, Calumet, MN

Thanks to a MN State Arts Board grant and COMPAS, Siama and Dallas are bringing fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Pioneerland Library System! Kids and families will be encouraged to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while hearing fun stories that bring Siama's rural Bas Congo childhood to life. It's a joy to immerse yourself in happy African music so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

Virginia Public Library, 215 S 5th Ave, Virginia, MN

Thanks to a MN State Arts Board grant and COMPAS, Siama and Dallas are bringing fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Arrowhead Library System! Kids and families will be encouraged to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while hearing fun stories that bring Siama's rural Bas Congo childhood to life. This is a rare opportunity to be immersed in happy African music in your library so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

Buhl Public Library, 215 Broadway Ave N, Buhl, MN

Thanks to a MN State Arts Board grant and COMPAS, Siama and Dallas are bringing fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Arrowhead Library System! Kids and families will be encouraged to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while hearing fun stories that bring Siama's rural Bas Congo childhood to life. This is a rare opportunity to be immersed in happy African music in your library so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

Mountain Iron Public Library, 5742 Mountain Ave, Mountain Iron, MN

Thanks to a MN State Arts Board grant and COMPAS, Siama and Dallas are bringing fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Arrowhead Library System! Kids and families will be encouraged to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while hearing fun stories that bring Siama's rural Bas Congo childhood to life. This is a rare opportunity to be immersed in happy African music in your library so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

Two Harbors Public Library, 320 Waterfront Dr, Two Harbors, MN

Thanks to a MN State Arts Board grant and COMPAS, Siama and Dallas are bringing fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Arrowhead Library System! Kids and families will be encouraged to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while hearing fun stories that bring Siama's rural Bas Congo childhood to life. This is a rare opportunity to be immersed in happy African music in your library so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

Mount Royal Library, 105 Mount Royal Shopping Center, Duluth, MN

Thanks to a MN State Arts Board grant and COMPAS, Siama and Dallas are bringing fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Arrowhead Library System! Kids and families will be encouraged to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while hearing fun stories that bring Siama's rural Bas Congo childhood to life. This is a rare opportunity to be immersed in happy African music in your library so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)

4Kids Siama's Congo Music

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Duluth Public Library, 520 W Superior St, Duluth, MN

Thanks to a MN State Arts Board grant and COMPAS, Siama and Dallas are bringing fun Congolese music to libraries throughout the Arrowhead Library System! Kids and families will be encouraged to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while hearing fun stories that bring Siama's rural Bas Congo childhood to life. This is a rare opportunity to be immersed in happy African music in your library so don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)