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
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
Siama and Dallas are excited to return to Buckham Memorial Library where 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 program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)
Siama and Dallas are excited to return to Buckham Memorial Library where 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 program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)
Thanks to Hokah Public Library, Siama and Dallas are excited to bring Siama's happy Congolese music where they'll encourage everyone to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while sharing fun stories that bring Siama's rural Bas Congo childhood to life. Siama plays guitar and traditional African instruments like balafon and mbira. Don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)
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La Crescent Community Center, 336 South 1st Street, La Crescent, MN 55947
Thanks to La Crescent Public Library, Siama and Dallas are excited to bring Siama's happy Congolese music to the Community Center. They'll encourage everyone to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while sharing fun stories that bring Siama's rural Bas Congo childhood to life. Siama plays guitar and traditional African instruments like balafon and mbira. Don't miss it! (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)
Your young ones will have a blast singing and dancing with Siama and Dallas in the vibrant and welcoming environs of this international market. Here's the full market calendar https://midtownglobalmarket.org/events.
We're excited to be part of this special summer event with loads of great music (hosted by jazz phenom Bruce Henry!) and yummy food. It's free and everyone's welcome. (The party will be in the parking lot behind the building, adjacent to Oakland Ave.)
Siama and Dallas are excited to bring fun Congolese music to Burnsville Library where they'll encourage kids and families to sing along in Kikongo, Lingala and English while hearing fun stories that bring Siama's rural Bas Congo childhood to life. (This program is Free Admission and it's designed especially for kids but loved by audiences of all ages.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
