African Music Night at Hidmo

Please Note: This page is here for archival purposes only. I now list current Hidmo events on my Seattle World Beat world music shows page.

Sunday Nights at Hidmo
Various Artists

Sunday evenings
8-10 pm

FREE (donations welcome)

HIDMO Eritrean Restaurant

2000 S. Jackson St.
206-329-1534

This free evening of African music has been happening every Sunday at HIDMO since the spring of 2005. Hidmo is a great Eritrean/East African restaurant offering good food at reasonable prices. Come join the fun in a “house-party” atmosphere where the performers let their hair down and try out new things.

This month at Hidmo
August 2	Matemai Mbira Group Newton ‘Matemai’ Cheza-Chozengwa and Jonathan ‘Simboti’ Mazura of Matemai Mbira Group, members of one of Zimbabwe’s top traditional groups performing entrancing Shona mbira music, are on their first US tour. Possessed of a pure, silken voice, Matemai’s soaring spirit-filled vocals capture the heart of all who hear him. Listen to Matemai Mbira Group at http://www.myspace.com/matemaimbiragroup
August 9	Naby Camara and Lagni Sussu Featuring balafon master Naby Camara with music of Guinea. Naby’s band is called “Lagni Sussu,” which in the Sussu Dialect of Guinea, means people of all different races, classes, and background working together. Combining traditional and modern music styles, Naby Camara and Lagni Sussu bring audiences of all ages and cultures to their feet. http://nabycamara.com/
August 16	African All-Stars The name says it all. Very danceable music from some of Seattle’s best African musicians, led by Mohammed Shaibu on guitar, vocals and talking drum.
August 23	Eckaman and Super Mokako Dance to live Congolese soukous music with Super Mokako, featuring vocalist extraordinaire Eckaman. If you haven’t heard them, you’re in for a real treat; the group regularly has everyone on their feet at Hidmo!
August 30	Atlantic Melody High-energy pop music of Guinea, with a group brought to you by Edward Souarez (Guinea), the best African trap-set drummer and vocalist this side of the Atlantic.

Archive of Past Events

2009 Shows at HIDMO

January 4	Leif Totusek and Friends Spirited high-life, soukous and other Afro-pop from guitar master Leif Totusek. Don’t miss this show. Leif has a great feel for African guitar styles and has toured with some of the best African musicians in the world.
January 11	Maya Soleil Afro-World Fusion Music & Dance, featuring Lora Chiorah-Dye (vocals, dance, mbira) from Zimbabwe and Karim Koumbassa (jun jun, ngoni, vocals) from Guinea, with a stellar band of regular members of Maya Soleil.
January 18	Shawna Hawk and Ijo Ayanmo Ijo Ayanmo, which means Dance of Destiny in Yoruba, is a vibrant performance ensemble that celebrates the Spirit of African and Afro-Cuban music and dance. The group draws upon the vast heritage of the Afro-folkloric spiritual legacy of the Ancestors. Shawna Hawk, founder and Artistic director, integrates her unique comprehensive background in African, Hawaiian, Afro-Puerto Rican and Afro-Cuban song and dance in the style of her group.
January 25	Edward Souarez with Atlantic Melody High-energy pop music of Guinea, with a group brought to you by Edward Sourarez (Guinea), the best African trap-set drummer and vocalist this side of the Atlantic.
February 1	Eckaman and Super Mokako Dance to live Congolese soukous music with Super Mokako, featuring vocalist extraordinaire Eckaman. This is the group’s debut performance at Hidmo, and if they are anything like Eckaman’s former band Yoko Enzenze, we’re in for a real treat!
February 8	Soyaya with Mohammed Shaibu Music of West Africa, featuring Mohammed Shaibu (Ghana) on vocals, guitar and talking drum; Edward Souarez (Guinea) on vocals, calabash, and other percussion, and Caxambu (USA) on percussion. Traditional and modern styles of Ghana, always with some surprises.
February 15	Leif Totusek & Freestyle Candela Just back from Touring with Freestyle Candela in New York, Boston and San Francisco, Leif is excited to perform in Seattle with his new compositions based on Congolese soukous guitar, Cuban rumba and inspirations from Hendrix to Haiti.
February 22	Taranga and Souleymane N’Diaye Taranga celebrates the spirit of Senegal through music and dance. Founder and leader Souleymane N’Diaye, a griot born to a family of musicians in Dakar, is a veteran of the Ballet National du Senegale. Souleymane moved to the United States in 1998 in order to continue the griot’s work of spreading his cultural knowledge.
March 1	Andrew Oliver Kora Band The Andrew Oliver Kora Band combines elements of jazz and traditional West African music to create a unique soul-stirring sound. In the wake of his 2007 tour of West Africa with the U.S. State Department’s Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad, pianist and composer Andrew Oliver was inspired to start the group which features Kane Mathis on the 21-string kora, a traditional harp from West Africa, Jim Knodle on trumpet, Brady Millard-Kish on bass, and Mark DiFlorio on drums. http://aokora.wordpress.com/
March 8	Thione Diop and Yeke Yeke Hot young percussionist Thione Diop from Senegal with his high-energy percussion group. This is some of the best traditional African music in the Northwest. Be prepared to dance! http://www.thionediop.com
March 15	Atlantic Melody High-energy pop music of Guinea, with a group brought to you by Edward Souarez, the best African trap-set drummer and vocalist this side of the Atlantic.
March 22	Ibrahima Camara & Safal Music of Senegal with master drummer Ibrahima Camara and his group Safal. Original pop music compositions with traditional West African roots, spiced with the sounds of Reggae, Latin and Soukous.
March 29	Naby Camara & Lagni Sussu Featuring balafon master Naby Camara with music of Guinea. Naby’s band is called “Lagni Sussu,” which in the Sussu Dialect of Guinea, means people of all different races, classes, and background working together. Combining traditional and modern music styles, Naby Camara and Lagni Sussu bring audiences of all ages and cultures to their feet. http://nabycamara.com/
April 5	Lora and Leif Lora Chiorah(Shona mbira and vocals) and Leif Totusek (multi-talented guitarist) have been collaborating for many years, whether with Sukutai Marimba and Dance ensemble or Freestyle Candela. They are back again with a new CD entitled Mbira and Guitar, sure to put a smile on your face.
April 12	African All-Stars The name says it all. Very danceable music from some of Seattle’s best African musicians, led by Mohammed Shaibu on guitar, vocals and talking drum.
April 19	Mahonyera Mbira Ensemble and special guests. Seattle’s own Mahonyera Mbira Ensemble performs traditional Shona music on three mbiras accompanied by gourd shakers (hosho) and vocals. They will be joined by special guests including Leif Totusek and Thione Diop. $5 donation will be requested at the door to help HopeFirst Foundation bring the outstanding group Matemai Mbira Ensemble (www.myspace.com/matemaimbiragroup) from Zimbabwe in May. This is music to dance and trance to.
April 26	Eckaman and Super Mokako Dance to live Congolese soukous music with Super Mokako, featuring vocalist extraordinaire Eckaman. If you haven’t heard them, you’re in for a real treat; the group had everyone on their feet in their debut performance at Hidmo!
May 3	Mapathe Diop and Kheweul Mapathe Diop is a griot and the ‘Father’ of Senegalese drumming in Seattle. His group Kheweul (“Abundance” in the Wolof language) are masters of the sabar dance-drumming played for celebrations, ceremonies and healing rituals in Senegal. Mapathe recently released his first CD, Jamono (“Generations”).
May 10	Yeke Yeke and Spirit of West Africa stars The Spirit of West Africa festival takes place at the Seattle Center House Saturday May 9 (free, noon -8 pm), and the party continues Sunday at Hidmo! Special show led by Thione Diop, master drummer from Senegal, featuring Yeke Yeke and visiting performer Mady Diabate on kora.
May 17	Atlantic Melody High-energy pop music of Guinea, with a group brought to you by Edward Sourarez (Guinea), the best African trap-set drummer and vocalist this side of the Atlantic.
May 24	Ruzivo and Friends Led by Paul Mataruse, Ruzivo plays traditional and contemporary Zimbabwean music with a fusion of marimba, mbira, bass guitar and drums. The result is an intoxicating dance party reminiscent of the townships near Harare, Zimbabwe. Look for special guests in town for the NW Folklife Festival to join in.
May 31	Sol Afrique Music and dance of West Africa featuring Guillaume Mpacko from Cameroon on vocals and guitar. If you haven’t yet heard Sol Afrique, be prepared for some of the sweetest stuff you’ll hear at Hidmo – Afro, Latin and jazzy beats and moods on a melodic and rhythmic menu from Cameroon, South Africa, Cuba and the Caribbean in general. Check out Guillaume’s first album on CD Baby: http://cdbaby.com/cd/gsmpacko (a second is in the works).
June 7	Soyaya with Mohammed Shaibu Music of West Africa, featuring Mohammed Shaibu (Ghana) on vocals, guitar and talking drum; Edward Souarez (Guinea) on vocals, calabash, and other percussion, and Caxambu (USA) on percussion. Traditional and modern styles of Ghana, always with some surprises.
June 14	Eckaman and Super Mokako Dance to live Congolese soukous music with Super Mokako, featuring vocalist extraordinaire Eckaman. If you haven’t heard them, you’re in for a real treat; the group regularly has everyone on their feet at Hidmo Café!
June 21	The Manghis Khan Quartet The Manghis Khan Quartet plays originals and Brazilian, Latin and jazz standards in a unique, highly rhythmic ensemble of African and Latin percussion, trumpet and bass. The innovative group playfully combines traditionally inspired rhythms with jazz melody, drawing on the players experience, training and love for the music. www.manghiskhan.com
June 28	Omo Alagba Exploring the linkages between Afro-Cuban genres and their African roots, Omo Alagba features Arturo Rodriguez and company. Join us for a night of the sacred rhythms of batá.
July 5	Leif Totusek and friends Spirited soukous, high-life and other Afro-pop from guitar master Leif Totusek. Don’t miss this show. Leif has a great feel for African guitar styles and has toured with some of the best African musicians in the world. www.leiftotusek.com http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=120247965
July 12	Mbira dze Muninga Mbira dzeMuninga (Mbira of the Caves) is a four-piece ensemble that plays traditional mbira music from the Shona people of Zimbabwe. They toured the UShttp://www.dzemuninga.com/ in 2008 with the award-winning group Mawungira Enharira and are back with their high-energy dancing and vocal harmonies to accompany the sweet sound of the mbiras.
July 19	Thione Diop and Yeke Yeke Hot young drummer Thione Diop from Senegal with his high-energy percussion group. This is some of the best traditional African music in the Northwest. Be prepared to dance! http://www.thionediop.com
July 26	Latin Percussion with Arturo Rodriguez Michael Martinez and Arturo Rodriguez will perform a variety of Brazilian Jazz and Funk music.

2008 Shows at HIDMO

January 6 – TARANGA: The Spirit of Senegalese Culture
Performances by Taranga feature powerful yet graceful displays of traditional drumming and dancing. Souleymane N’Diaye is a master drummer specializing in the sabar drums of the Wolof people of Senegal and the jembe drum, popular throughout West Africa. The ensemble, consisting of men and women drummers, dancers and singers, presents traditions of several Senegalese ethnic groups. Audience members are invited to the stage to join in on percussion as Taranga celebrates the spirit of Senegal through music and dance.

January 13 – Ibrahima Camara & Safal (Senegal)
Music of Senegal with master drummer Ibrahima Camara and his group Safal. Original pop music compositions with traditional West African roots, spiced with the sounds of Reggae, Latin and Soukous.

January 20 – Sukutai (Zimbabwe)

Sukutai is a traditional Marimba & Dance Ensemble from Zimbabwe. Lora started Sukutai to hand her traditional music roots down to her three children. Lora and the band have been performing around the world for over 25 years now. Lora always gives a heart-felt performance so you won’t want to miss this show.

January 27 – Soyaya (Ghana)
Music of West Africa, featuring Mohammed Shaibu (Ghana) on vocals, guitar, and talking drum, some of your other favorite performers. This group always brings some high-energy sounds and surprises to HIDMO.

February 3 – Lagni Sussu (Guinea)
Naby Camara, master musician and two-time recipient of the Juno Award, leads his group Lagni Sussu with originally composed, dynamic rhythms and songs springing from an artistic tradition over a thousand years old. Lagni Sussu, means people of all different races, classes, and backgrounds working together. Combining traditional and modern music styles, this music brings audiences of all ages and cultures to their feet.

February 10 – Anzanga (Zimbabwe, Mozambique, S. Africa & Gambia)
Anzanga, which means “to our friends,” draws its name and music from the rich cultural heritage of Africa. Traditional and contemporary marimba music, plus original compositions created and arranged in an African style by director, Sheree Seretse that will entertain, enlighten and inspire all who hear!

February 17 – Ibrahima Camara & Safal (Senegal)
Music of Senegal with master drummer IBRAHIMA CAMARA and his group SAFAL. Original pop music compositions with traditional West African roots, spiced with the sounds of Reggae, Latin and Soukous.

February 24 – Ijo Ayanmo (Nigeria, Cuba & Afro-American Soul)
Ijo Ayanmo is a vibrant song, drum and dance ensemble that celebrates the Spirit of African and Afro-Cuban music and dance. The group draws upon the vast heritage of the Afro folkloric spiritual legacy of the Ancestors. Shawna Hawk, artistic director and lead singer expresses that one of the groups goals is to bring forth the styles of this music that include rhythms representing the Pantheon of the Yoruba Deities of West Africa.

March 2 – TARANGA: The Spirit of Senegalese Culture
Performances by Taranga feature powerful yet graceful displays of traditional drumming and dancing. Souleymane N’Diaye is a master drummer specializing in the sabar drums of the Wolof people of Senegal and the jembe drum, popular throughout West Africa. The ensemble, consisting of men and women drummers, dancers and singers, presents traditions of several Senegalese ethnic groups. Audience members are invited to the stage to join in on percussion as Taranga celebrates the spirit of Senegal through music and dance.

March 9 – Lagni Sussu (Guinea)

NABY CAMARA, master musician and two-time recipient of the Juno Award, leads his group LAGNI SUSSU with originally composed, dynamic rhythms and songs springing from an artistic tradition over a thousand years old. Lagni Sussu, means people of all different races, classes, and backgrounds working together. Combining traditional and modern music styles, this music brings audiences of all ages and cultures to their feet.

March 16 – Atlantic Melody (Guinea)
High-energy pop music of Guinea, with a group brought to you by Edward Sourarez (Guinea), featuring Abdoullaye Diabate (Guinea) on guitar and others.

March 23 – Soyaya (Ghana)
Music of West Africa, featuring Mohammed Shaibu (Ghana) on vocals, guitar, and talking drum, some of your other favorite performers. This group always brings some high-energy sounds and surprises to HIDMO.

March 30 – Musekiwa Chingodza (Zimbabwe)
Musekiwa Chingodza is a well-known mbira and marimba player and teacher. He was born into a family of great mbira players in Mwangara village, Murewa, Zimbabwe. He holds amazing Energy of the Ancestral Spirit that he shares in his music and in the honesty of his voice.

August 8	Musekiwa Chingodza Mbira from Zimbabwe
August 10	Soyaya West African guitar and more
August 17	Thione Diop & Yeke Yeke High-powered percussion
August 22	Jimmy Free’s Friends Reggae / Afro-beat / Tropical
August 24	Show TBA probably Ibrahima Camara & Safal
August 29	Atlantic Melody Guinean Afro-pop
August 31	African Allstars Dance-able Afro-beats
September 7	Lagni Susu Balafon from Guinea
September 14	Pa BoBo Jobarteh Kora from The Gambia
September 21	Anzanga Marimba from Zimbabwe
September 28	Yeke Yeke Djembe, dunun, and more from Senegal

2007 shows at HIDMO

January 7 – Atlantic Melody
High-energy pop music of Guinea, with a group brought to you by Edward Sourarez (Guinea), featuring Abdoullaye Diabate (Guinea) on guitar and others.

January 14 – Maya Soleil
Afro-World Fusion Music & Dance, featuring Lora Chiorah-Dye (vocals, dance, mbira) from Zimbabwe and Karim Koumbassa (jun jun, ngoni, vocals) from Guinea, with a stellar band of regular members of Maya Soleil.
www.mayasoleil.com

January 21 – Lagni Sussu
Featuring balafon master Naby Camara with music of Guinea. Listen for that exciting combination of traditional west African music with contemporary sounds from Naby and his comrads.
http://nabycamara.com/

January 28 – Raschid & African Roots

The return of Afro-Pop Music of West Africa featuring Raschid from Sierra Leone. www.myspace.com/rashidsoukous

February 4 – Ibrahima Camara & Safal

Music of Senegal with master drummer Ibrahima Camara and his group Safal. Original pop music compositions with traditional West African roots, spiced with the sounds of Reggae, Latin and Soukous. http://www.ibrahima.homestead.com

February 11 – Kane Mathis and Sahel
A new electric band that dwells somewhere between the village Kora style and the dancehall. Traditional and original Kora tunes are backed by an electric ensemble that draws from traditional drum patters and breaks from Senegal, Mali, The Gambia, and Guinea. http://www.kairarecords.com/kane/

February 18 – Atlantic Melody

High-energy pop music of Guinea, with a group brought to you by Edward Sourarez (Guinea), featuring Abdoullaye Diabate (Guinea) on guitar and others

February 25 – Leif Totusek & Friends

Spirited high-life and other Afro-pop from guitar master Leif Totusek. Don’t miss this show. Leif has toured with some of the best African musicians in the world because he has a true feel for African guitar styles. www.leiftotusek.com

March 4 – Souleymane N’Diaye and Taranga

a
Traditional music and dance of Senegal featuring Souleymane N’Diaye. www.nwfolklife.org/P_ED/african.html#taranga

March 11 – Ibrahima Camara & Safal

Afro-pop music of Senegal with master drummer Ibrahima Camara and his group Safal. Original compositions with traditional West African roots, spiced with the sounds of Reggae, Latin and Soukous. www.ibrahima.homestead.com

March 18 – Mahonyera Mbira Ensemble

Traditional mbira music of Zimbabwe. Mahonyera features : Claire Jones/mbira, Sheree Seretse/mbira, Kevin Ugarte/mbira and Sooja Kelsey/hosho (shakers) There is nothing sweeter than the traditional music of Zimbabwe, so don’t miss this night of beautiful music.

March 25 – Raschid & African Roots

The return of Afro-Pop Music of West Africa featuring Raschid from Sierra Leone. www.myspace.com/rashidsoukous

April 1 – Atlantic Melody

High-energy pop music of Guinea, with a group brought to you by Edward Sourarez (Guinea), featuring Abdoullaye Diabate (Guinea) on guitar and others

April 8 – Leif Totusek & Friends

April 15 – Amadanyo

Amadanyo is a young vocalist from Nigeria, who brings some fresh sounds to the HIDMO. You want dance energy? You’ll get it with Amadanyo. http://amadanyo.com

April 22 – Omo Alagba

Exploring the linkages between Afro-Cuban genres and their African roots, Omo Alagba features Arturo Rodriguez. Their first show at HIDMO was a big hit. Join us for a night of the sacred rhythms of bata.

April 29 – Kane Mathis and Sahel
A new electric band that dwells somewhere between the village Kora style and the dancehall. Traditional and original Kora tunes are backed by an electric ensemble that draws from traditional drum patterns and breaks from Senegal, Mali, The Gambia, and Guinea. http://www.kairarecords.com/kane/

May 6 – Soyaya
featuring Mohammed Shaibu

May 13 – Maurice Rouman & Sons
Middle Eastern music, with an emphasis on ancient Egyptian, or “Pharaoh” music.

May 20 – Bongo Love
Touring band from Zimbabwe – http://www.bongolovemusic.com/. Also appearing at Folklife Sat. 5/26 at 11:50 on the Fountain Lawn Stage, and on KEXP’s Best Ambiance Monday, 5/28, at 7:00 p.m.

June 3 – Thione Diop & Yeke Yeke
Hot young percussionist from Senegal with his high-energy percussion group. This is some of the best traditional African music in the Northwest. Be prepared to dance! http://www.thionediop.com

June10 – Amadanyo
Amadanyo is a high-energy performer from Nigeria, who brings a fine Afro-pop sound to Hidmo.

June 17 – Atlantic Melody
High-energy pop music of Guinea, with a group brought to you by Edward Sourarez (Guinea), featuring Abdoullaye Diabate (Guinea) on guitar and others.

June 24 – Pa BoBo Jobarteh
Traditional West African Kora performance by a son of Malamini Jobarteh, one of The Gambia’s greatest musical
exponents, touring the US and first-off show at Hidmo. Don’t miss this touring act and a chance to see the current state of Kora in The Gambia.

Omo Alagba (Arturo Rodriguez’s Latin Jazz Trio) – July 1
Exploring the linkages between Afro-Cuban genres and their African roots, Omo Alagba features Arturo Rodriguez.

Leif Totusek & Friends (Pan-African) – July 8
Spirited high-life and other Afro-pop from guitar master Leif Totusek. Leif has toured with some of the best African musicians in the world and has a true feel for African guitar styles.

Saeed Abbas & Friends – July 15 (Ghana)
Dynamic percussion and guitar from Ghana.
(The traditional mbira music of Zimbabwe show with Sheree Seretse & Friends, originally scheduled for July 15, was rescheduled at the last minute.)

Bongo Love – July 22
This touring band from Zimbabwe was a huge hit at Folklife – http://www.bongolovemusic.com/.

Sounds of Zimbabwe by Sukutai – July 29 (Lora Chiorah-Dye of Zimbabwe)
Music of Zimbabwe, featuring Lora (Sukutai) Chiorah-Dye, leader of the Sukutai Marimba and Dance Ensemble and core member of Maya Soleil. Lora always gives a heart-felt performance so you won’t want to miss this show.

Bongo Love – August 5
This touring band from Zimbabwe was a huge hit at Folklife – http://www.bongolovemusic.com/. This is their third appearance at Hidmo.

August 12 – Shawna Hawk
Afro-Cuban music.

August 19 – Souleymane N’Diaye
Traditional music and dance of Senegal.

August 26 – Mapathe Diop
Sabar master drummer from Senegal.

Sept. 2 – Ruzivo & Bongo Love

Sept 9 – Guillaume Mpacko

from Cameroon on vocals and guitar for the sweetest music ever heard at Hidmo

Sept 16 – Soyaya
Music of West Africa, featuring Mohammed Shaibu (Ghana) on vocals, guitar, and talking drum, plus some of your other favorite performers. This group always brings some high-energy sounds and surprises to HIDMO.

Sept 23 – Naby Camara
Master of the balafon (traditional xylophone) from Guinea returns to HIDMO. Naby is winner of two “Canadian Grammy” (Juno) awards

Sept 30 – Mahonyera
Traditional mbira (thumb piano) music from Zimbabwe.

October 7 – Atlantic Melody
Guinea- West Africa (French)

October 14 – Ruzivo
High-energy marimba music from Zimbabwe.

October 21 – Kalass
West African/World Fusion featuring Ganga Clamoungou on guitar and vocals backed by a spirited electric band. Kalass blemds African pop with other contemporary African world music styles like Zouk, Soca, Jazz, R&B and Funk.

October 28 – African All-Stars
The name says it all. Very danceable music from some of Seattle’s best African musicians.

November 4 – Thione Diop & Yeke Yeke
Hot young percussionist from Senegal with his high-energy percussion group. This is some of the best traditional African music in the Northwest. Be prepared to dance! http://www.thionediop.com

November 11 – Soyaya
featuring Mohammed Shaibu

November 18 – Saeed Abbas & Friends
Dynamic percussion from Ghana.

November 25 – African All-Stars
The name says it all. Very danceable music from some of Seattle’s best African musicians.

December 2 – Jam with Mohammed
Open jam with Mohammed Shaibu and friends.

December 9 – Ibrahima Camara & Safal

Music of Senegal with master drummer Ibrahima Camara and his group Safal. Original pop music compositions with traditional West African roots, spiced with the sounds of Reggae, Latin and Soukous.

December 16 – Kane Mathis and Sahel
A new electric band that dwells somewhere between the village Kora style and the dancehall. Traditional and original Kora tunes are backed by an electric ensemble that draws from traditional drum patters and breaks from Senegal, Mali, The Gambia, and Guinea. http://www.kairarecords.com/kane/

December 23 – Atlantic Melody
High-energy pop music of Guinea, with a group brought to you by Edward Sourarez (Guinea), featuring Abdoullaye Diabate (Guinea) on guitar and others.

No Sunday music December 30

December 31 – New Year’s Eve party with the African All-Stars

2006 shows at HIDMO

Jan 1, 2006 – Soyaya
Music of West Africa, featuring Mohammed Shaibu (Ghana) on vocals, guitar, and talking drum, Edward Souarez (Guinea) on vocals, calabash, and other percussion, and Caxambu (USA) on percussion. Bringing in the New Year with one of HIDMO’s favorite bands.

Jan 8 – Maya Soleil Traditions

Pan-African music & dance featuring Lora Chiorah- Dye from Zimbabwe, Kofi Anang from Ghana, Karim Koumbassa from Guinea, Lora’s son Tendai Maraire, and more . This is the debut of a new lineup for Maya Soleil Traditions, and the dress rehearsal for their tour of southern California. The second half of the show will be an open jam, featuring some of your favorites, including Guillaume Mpacko from Cameroon.

Jan 15 – Ibrahima Camara & Safal
Music of Senegal with master drummer Ibrahima Camara and his group Safal. Original pop music compositions with traditional West African roots, spiced with the sounds of Reggae, Latin and Soukous. Join us for HIDMO’s celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday.

Jan 22 – Leif Totusek & Friends

Jan 29 – Atlantic Melody

High-energy pop music of Guinea, with a group brought to you by Edward Sourarez (Guinea), featuring Abdoullaye Diabate (Guinea) on guitar and others. Abdoullaye was a composer and lead guitarist with Fatala, and Alpha YaYa Diallo used to play rhythm guitar for him, so this should be a great jam.

Feb 5 – Eduardo Mendonca Duo
Afro-Brazilian music and vocals from the leader of Show Brazil. We welcome the exciting sounds of percussion guitar and vocals from Eduardo and friend.

Feb 12 – Amadanyo

Amadanyo is a new young artist from Nigeria, who promises to bring some fresh sounds to HIDMO. Let’s give him a warm HIDMO audience to welcome him to the Seattle scene.

Feb 19 – Maurice Rouman & Sons

Ancient Egyptian “Pharoanic” music, with oud, percussion , and keyboards from masters of their craft. This is their return appearance after some great prior shows as part of the HIDMO music series . Be sure to check it out. Maurice has been performing for over 40 years.

Feb 26 – Soyaya

Music of West Africa, featuring Mohammed Shaibu (Ghana) on vocals, guitar, and talking drum, Edward Souarez (Guinea) on vocals, calabash, and other percussion, Caxambu (USA) on percussion , and Jimmy Free (USA) on bass.

Mar 5 – Thione Diop & Yeke Yeke

Hot young percussionist from Senegal with his high-energy percussion group. Be prepared to dance!

Mar 12 – Naby Camara

A master of balafon (traditional xylophone) from Guinea returns to HIDMO in a special solo show (well, mostly solo… Naby may have a friend sit in on percussion to accompany him). Naby is winner of two “Canadian Grammy” (Juno) awards.

Mar 19 – Sounds of Zimbabwe by Sukutai

Music of Zimbabwe, featuring Lora (Sukutai) Chiorah-Dye, leader of the Sukutai Marimba and Dance Ensemble and core member of Maya Soleil. Lora
always gives a heart-felt performance so you won’t want to miss this opportunity to see her do a special show of her favorite music.

Mar 26 – Mahonyera Mbira Ensemble

Traditional mbira music of Zimbabwe. Mahonyera consists of: Claire Jones/mbira, Sheree Seretse/mbira, Kevin Ugarte/mbira and Sooja Kelsey/hosho (shakers) There is nothing sweeter than the traditional music of Zimbabwe, so don’t miss this night of beautiful music.

April 2 – Ocheami Drum & Dance

Pulsating rhythms, exuberant dances, and sweet harmonies of Ghana, with percussion, kalimba, and African dance. Featuring Kofi Anang, master percussionist from Ghana.

April 9 – Sol Afrique

Music and dance of West Africa featuring Guillaume Mpacko from Cameroon on vocals and guitar. If you haven’t yet heard Sol Afrique, be prepared for some of the sweetest stuff you’ll hear at HIDMO.

April 16 – Atlantic Melody

April 23 – Kane Mathis – Kora Music

Beautiful, poly-rhythmic music of The Gambia, featuring Kane Mathis on Kora accompanied by hot African percussion. The return of this virtuosic act is much anticipated.

April 30 – Amadanyo

Amadanyo is a new young artist from Nigeria, who promises to bring some fresh sounds to HIDMO. Let’s give him a warm HIDMO audience to welcome him to the Seattle scene. The first appearance of his band at HIDMO last February was a blast.

May 7 – Soyaya

May 14 – Lagni Sussu

Featuring balafon master Naby Camara with music of Guinea. Listen for that exciting combination of traditional west African music with contemporary sounds from Naby and his compatriots.

May 21 – Souleymane N’Diaye and Friends

Featuring Souleymane N’Diaye, Director of Taranga.

May 28 – Damascus Kafumbe

From http://www.kafumbe.com/about.htm:
“Damascus Kafumbe, a native Ugandan whose passion for the music, dance, and folkways of sub-Saharan East Africa was ingrained from birth, is carving a niche for himself in the complementary areas of ethnomusicology and world music performance. His intimate knowledge of the languages, culture, and traditions of this region, wedded to consummate performance techniques and dedication to scholarship and research, have distinguished him as fairly unique in both fields. Kafumbe is a skilled performer on sub-Saharan harps, lamellophones, xylophones, flutes, fiddles, lyres, and drums, most of which he is also a craftsman. Kafumbe received a Bachelor of Music degree from Makerere University, Kampala (2004) and is currently pursuing a Master of Musicology degree in ethnomusicology at the Florida State University, College of Music, where he is a fellow, graduate teaching assistant, and director of the African Music and Dance Ensemble.”

June 4 – Sol Afrique

June 11 – Soyaya

Music of West Africa, featuring Mohammed Shaibu (Ghana) on vocals, guitar, and talking drum, some of your other favorite performers. This group always brings some high-energy sounds and surprises to HIDMO.

June 18 – Maya Soleil

Afro-World Fusion Music & Dance, featuring Lora Chiorah-Dye from Zimbabwe and Karim Koumbassa from Guinea, with a stellar band of regular members of Maya Soleil.
www.mayasoleil.com

June 25 – Musekiwa Chingodza

Vocals and mbira music of Zimbabwe. Join us for this rare visit from a true master of traditional Zimbabwean music.

Musekiwa Chingodza was born into a family of great mbira players in Mwangara village, Murewa, Zimbabwe, in 1970. He began playing mbira at the
age of five and is self-taught. Through listening to other gwenyambira, or great mbira players, he developed a strong attachment to and love for
mbira music. He says, “Our music is both medicine and food, as mbira has the power to heal and to provide for people. Mbira pleases both the living
and the dead.” In 1991 Musekiwa was a key member of the band Panjea, founded by Chris Berry. He composed the hit song “Ganda” on Panjea’s
Zimbabwean album. Currently Musekiwa teaches mbira at Prince Edward School in Harare. He is an excellent singer, dancer and drummer and plays both mbira dzavadzimu and nyunga nyunga. Following up on his widely acclaimed CD with Jennifer Kyker, entitled “Tsunga,” Musekiwa released his CD “VaChingodza Budai Pachena.” His newest CD, “Kutema Musasa,” has just been released (late 2005).

July 2 – Kalass

West African/World Fusion featuring Ganga Clamoungou on guitar and vocals backed by a spirited electric band. Kalass blemds African pop with other contemporary African world music styles like Zouk, Soca, Jazz, R&B and Funk. Their first show at HIDMO was a hit, so we are looking forward to their return.

July 9 – Atlantic Melody

July 16 – Thione Diop & Yeke Yeke

Hot young percussionist from Senegal with his high-energy percussion group. Be prepared to dance! Arrive early for this show – Thione always fills the place up.

July 23 – Sol Afrique

July 30 – Amadanyo

Amadanyo is a new young artist from Nigeria, who promises to bring some fresh sounds to HIDMO. The past appearences of his band at HIDMO have been a blast.

August 6 – Village Drum & Masquerade

Traditional Music and dance of Liberia with one of the Northwest’s favorite performers, Won-ldy Paye of Liberia. This group always has an outstanding line-up of top African percussionists who create a powerful sound. Don’t miss it!

August 13 – Soyaya

Music of West Africa, featuring Mohammed Shaibu (Ghana) on vocals, guitar, and talking drum, Edward Souarez (Guinea) on vocals, calabash, and other percussion, and Caxambu (USA) on percussion. Raw traditional styles of Ghana, always with some surprises. We love ’em.

August 20 – Maya Soleil

Afro-World Fusion Music & Dance, featuring Lora Chiorah-Dye (vocals, dance, mbira) from Zimbabwe and Karim Koumbassa (jun jun, ngoni, vocals) from Guinea, with a stellar band of regular members of Maya Soleil.

August 27 – Irene Chigamba
Zimbabwean Irene Chigamba makes a rare appearance at HIDMO, with mbira and soulful vocals. Although it is unusual for women to play mbira in Zimbabwe, as a young child Irene learned mbira first from her mother and then her father, Tute Chigamba. While growing up, she traveled extensively with her father to play mbira in traditional ceremonies all over Zimbabwe. She went on to study marimba, singing, drumming, and dance. As an adult, Irene toured the world as a musician and dancer with the Zimbabwe National Dance Troupe, a group showcasing Zimbabwean musical culture abroad. After that group’s demise she formed Mhembero Dance Troupe, a family group which took on the same role as Zimbabwe’s international cultural ambassadors. She is now an mbira player as well as lead singer in Mhembero. Irene has performed for over 25 years in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. She is an amazing musician known for her soulful singing, richly complex mbira melodies, and engaging presence. She currently teaches mbira, marimba, drums, hosho, singing, and dance to everyone from young children to adults.

September 3 – Ahlam

Arabic music of the North Africa and the Middle East, featuring Stephen Elaimy (USA) on oud, Sallah Ali (Iraq) on violin, David McGrath (USA) on ney, Erik Brown (USA) on tabla, and Jane Hall (USA) on riqq.

September 10 – Atlantic Melody

High-energy pop music of Guinea, with a group brought to you by Edward Sourarez (Guinea), featuring Abdoullaye Diabate (Guinea) on guitar and others

September 17 – Lagni Sussu

Featuring balafon master Naby Camara with music of Guinea. Listen for that exciting combination of traditional west African music with contemporary sounds from Naby and his comrads.
http://nabycamara.com/

September 24 – Soyaya

Oct 1 – Sounds of Zimbabwe by Sukutai
Music of Zimbabwe, featuring Lora (Sukutai) Chiorah-Dye, leader
of the Sukutai Marimba & Dance Ensemble and core member
of Maya Soleil. Lora always gives a heart-felt performance. You
won’t want to miss this opportunity.
www.jackstraw.org/programs/tasp/africa/chiorah-dye.html

Oct 8 – Ibrahima Camara & Safal
Music of Senegal with master drummer Ibrahima Camara and
his group Safal. Original pop music compositions with traditional
West African roots, spiced with the sounds of Reggae, Latin and
Soukous. www.ibrahima.homestead.com

Oct 15 – Raschid and African Roots
Afro-Pop Music of West Africa featuring the wildest African
guitarist on the continent. Raschid is from Sierra Leone and will
not miss a chance to show his stuff. It will be a great band night.
First appearance at HIDMO.

Oct 22 – African All-Stars
The name says it all. Some of your favorite NW African musicians
doing their thing. You’ll be dancing for this show. First
appearance at HIDMO.

Nov 5 – Village Drum & Masquerade

Nov 12 – Kane Mathis and Sahel
Premiere performance at HIDMO so here is the full description of this new group.
Kane Mathis and Sahel have created a new electric band framework that dwells somewhere between the village Kora style and the dancehall. Traditional and original Kora tunes are backed in electric ensemble context that draws from traditional drum patters and breaks from the Sub-Saharan region. Repertoires from Senegal, Mali, The Gambia, and Guinea are set in a contemporary context at once new and traditional. On guitar, Kane evokes rhythms from Saharan guitar style of Ali Farka Toure to pan African highlife.
Come share these musicians love and experience of the music of West Africa.

Kane Mathis -Kora, Voice, Guitar
Rusty Knorr – Drumset
Darko Vucmanic – Bass
Sam Weng – Percussion

Nov 19 – Thione Diop & Yeke Yeke

Hot young percussionist from Senegal with his high-energy percussion group. Some of the best traditional African music in the Northwest. Be prepared to dance!

Nov 26 – Leif Totusek & Friends

Spirited high-life and other Afro-pop from guitar master Leif Totusek.
Don’t miss this show. Leif has toured with some of the best African
musicians in the world because he has a true feel for African guitar styles.

Dec 3 – Ibrahima Camara & Safal
Music of Senegal with master drummer Ibrahima Camara and his group
Safal. Original pop music compositions with traditional West African roots,
spiced with the sounds of Reggae, Latin and Soukous.

December 10 – Atlantic Melody

High-energy pop music of Guinea, with a group brought to you by Edward Sourarez (Guinea), featuring Abdoullaye Diabate (Guinea) on guitar and others

December 17 – Omo Alagba

Exploring the linkages between Afro-Cuban genres and their African roots, Omo Alagba features Arturo Rodriguez. Join us for a night of the sacred rhythms of bata and other exciting approaches to the soulful connection between Africa and Cuba.

December 24 – No show on Christmas eve

December 31 – Rashid & African Roots with a special African New Year’s Eve show

Afro-Pop Music of West Africa featuring the wildest African guitarist on the continent. Raschid is from Sierra Leone and will not miss a chance to show his stuff. It will be a great band night. $20 cover, includes Eritrean food buffet. Make your reservations early as it will fill up fast. For reservations, call (206) 329-1534.

2005 shows at HIDMO

March 20 – Soyaya
Music of West Africa, featuring Mohammed Shaibu (Ghana) on vocals, guitar, and talking drum, Edward Souarez (Guinea) on vocals, calabash, and other percussion, and Caxambu (USA) on percussion.

March 27 – Pappys Fela Seck & Linda Khandro (8 pm)
Beautiful ngoni and harp music, with players from Senegal and Canada

Kofi Anang and Company (9 pm)
Pulsating rhythms, exuberant dances, and sweet harmonies of Ghana, with percussion, kalimba, and African dance.

April 3 – Sol Afrique

Music and dance of West Africa featuring Guillaume Mpacko (Camaroon) on vocals and guitar, Kofi Anang (Ghana) on vocals, djembe, talking drum, and kalimba, Lennox Holness (Jamaica) on bass guitar, Alma Anang (USA) on African persussion and dance, and Rob Pastorok (USA) on balafon, calabash, and talking drum.

April 10 – Kane Mathis
Beautiful, poly-rhythmic music of The Gambia, featuring Kane Mathis on Kora accompanied by Will Dowd (USA) on percussion

April 17 – Zanga Zanga
Music of Zimbabwe, with vocals, mbira, marimba, hosho, guitars, bass, drums, and percussion. Members from Zimbabwe, the Ukraine, Israel, and the USA, featuring Loveletter Senth (Zimbabwe).

April 24 – Kalass

May 8 – Kane Mathis
Beautiful, poly-rhythmic music of The Gambia, featuring Kane Mathis on Kora accompanied by Will Dowd (USA) on percussion

May 15 – Gansango Mandinka Trio
Mesmerizing music of the Mandinka people of sub-Sahara Africa, featuring Etienne Cakpo (Benin) on African drums, Naby Camara (Guinea) on balafon, Kane Mathis (USA) on kora, and Mark Collins (USA) on bass.

June 5 – Sounds of Zimbabwe by Sukutai

Music of Zimbabwe, featuring Lora (Sukutai) Chiorah-Dye, leader of the Sukutai Marimba and Dance Ensemble and core member of Maya Soleil. Lora always gives a heart-felt performance so you won’t want to miss this opportunity to see her do a special show of her favorite music.

June 12 – Soyaya
Music of West Africa, featuring Mohammed Shaibu (Ghana) on vocals, guitar, and talking drum, Edward Souarez (Guinea) on vocals, calabash, and other percussion, and Caxambu (USA) on percussion. The return of this group is much anticipated as their first show at HIDMO was a blast.

June 19 – Sol Afrique
Music and dance of West Africa featuring Guillaume Mpacko (Camaroon) on
vocals and guitar, Kofi Anang (Ghana) on vocals, djembe, talking drum, and
kalimba, Lennox Holness (Jamaica) on bass guitar, and Saeed Abass on vocals,
kpan logo, and talking drum, with an occasional appearence by Rob Pastorok (USA) on calabash,
and talking drum.

June 26 – Village Drum & Masquerade
Music and dance of Liberia with one of the Northwest’s most talented performers, Won-ldy Paye of Liberia. This group always has an outstanding line-up of top African percussionists who create a powerful sound. Don’t miss it!

July 3 – Sounds of Zimbabwe by Sukutai
Music of Zimbabwe, featuring Lora (Sukutai) Chiorah-Dye, leader of the Sukutai Marimba and Dance Ensemble and core member of Maya Soleil. Lora always gives a heart-felt performance so you won’t want to miss this opportunity to see her do a special show of her favorite music.
http://www.jackstraw.org/programs/tasp/africa/chiorah-dye.html

July 10 – Kofi Anang and Friends
Pulsating rhythms, exuberant dances, and sweet harmonies of Ghana, with percussion, kalimba, and African dance.

July 17 – Soyaya
Music of West Africa, featuring Mohammed Shaibu (Ghana) on vocals, guitar, and talking drum, Edward Souarez (Guinea) on vocals, calabash, and other percussion, and Caxambu (USA) on percussion.

July 24 – Sol Afrique
Music and dance of West Africa featuring Guillaume Mpacko (Cameroon) on
vocals and guitar, Kofi Anang (Ghana) on vocals, djembe, brekete, and
kalimba, and Lennox Holness (Jamaica) on bass guitar, with an occasional appearence by Rob Pastorok (USA) on calabash,
and talking drum.

July 31 – African Knights

Reggae other styles of music from Sierra Leone, featuring Ahmed Tarawally (Sierra Leone) on guitar and vocals, Yogi McCaw (USA) on keyboards, and Michel Tyabji (Tanzania and The Wolrd) on percussion.

Aug 7 – Mahonyera Mbira
Traditional mbira music of Zimbabwe.

Aug 14 – Lagni Sussu
Featuring balafon master Naby Camara.

Aug 21 – Special Double Show

Kofl Anang & Friends from Ghana – 8 pm
Fradreck & Fungai Mujuru – 9 pm
on tour from Zimbabwe

Aug 28 – Maya Soleil Traditions
Pan-African music & dance featuring
Lora Chiorah-Dye, Kofi Anang, Naby Camara

9/25 – Kalass

African and world fusion featuring Ganga Clamoungou.

10/2 – Ibrahima Camara
Music from Senegal, West Africa

10/9 – Soyaya
Music of West Africa, featuring Mohammed Shaibu (Ghana) on vocals, guitar, and talking drum, Edward Souarez (Guinea) on vocals, calabash, and other percussion, and Caxambu (USA) on percussion.

Oct 16 – Sheree Seretse & Friends
Traditional mbira music of Zimbabwe. Sheree Seretse, leader of Anzanga Marimba, brings her mbira group to HIDMO.

Oct 23 – Maya Soleil Traditions
Pan-African music & dance featuring
Lora Chiorah- Dye from Zimbabwe, Kofi Anang from Ghana, Naby Camara from Guinea, and more.

Oct 30 – Rhythm Culture
Byron Mercurius & Friends bring an Afro-Caribbean flavor to HIDMO with original songs and some favorite covers.

Nov 6 – Maurice Rouman & Sons

Ancient Egyptian “Pharoanic” music, with oud, percussion , and keyboards from masters of their craft. This is their first return appearance after an amazing first show with Egyptian music as part of the HIDMO music series . B e sure to check it out. Maurice has been performing for over 40 years.

Nov 13 – Mahonyera Mbira Ensemble
Traditional mbira music of Zimbabwe. Mahonyera consists of: Claire Jones/mbira, Sheree Seretse/mbira, Kevin Ugarte/mbira and Sooja Kelsey/hosho (shakers)

Nov 20 – Dance Night with the Rhythm Church, Lara McIntosh and friends
Come dance with us!

Nov 27 – Soyaya
Music of West Africa, featuring Mohammed Shaibu (Ghana) on vocals, guitar, and talking drum, Edward Souarez (Guinea) on vocals, calabash, and other percussion, and Caxambu (USA) on percussion. Always a blast, you never know what surprises Mohammed will bring.

Dec 4 – Lagni Sussu

Featuring balafon master Naby Camara with music of Guinea. Listen for that exciting combination of traditional west African music with contemporary sounds from Naby and his compatriots.

Dec 11 – Leif Totusek & Friends

Dec 18 – Thione Diop & Yeke Yeke

Hot young percussionist from Senegal with his high-energy percussion group. Be prepared to dance!

Dec 25 – No show on Christmas Day

Hidmo News

This page created 6/10/06; last updated 8/7/09.

Sunday Nights at Hidmo Various Artists

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Archive of Past Events

2009 Shows at HIDMO

2008 Shows at HIDMO

2007 shows at HIDMO

2006 shows at HIDMO

2005 shows at HIDMO

Hidmo News

Sunday Nights at Hidmo
Various Artists

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