“This is our heritage, performed our way,” says Leah and Pendo Zawose, singers, songwriters and multi-instrumentalists. The Zawose Queens wield their power through hypnotizing polyrhythms and rapturous polyphonic singing of the Gogo (aka Wagogo) people of the Dodoma region of central Tanzania. The duo blends modern sounds with traditional instruments such as chizeze fiddle, llimba thumb piano, and ngoma drums. The dance-inspired music connects with nature, ceremony and ritual. Leah and Pendo Zawose come from a family of acclaimed musicians, where male members have been in the foreground. Now the women of the family claim their rightful place. Maisha, the duo’s debut album, was released last year and heralds a new era. A mighty Queendom is to come.
Photo Michael Mbwambo