ABOUT THE BAND 

Makeke Marimba is a vibrant, energetic dance band from Lasqueti Island, B.C.  We play music from or inspired by the Shona tradition of Zimbabwe. The music is based on ancient melodies and polyrhythms originally played on mbira (elaborate wood and metal thumb pianos). 

Our instruments include seven wooden marimbas (sopranos, tenors, baritone and bass), mbira, gourd hoshos, drums, assorted percussion, and voices. The Marimbas were built on Lasqueti Island by members of the band. 

Since 1996, Makeke has performed at benefits, celebrated weddings, entertained at community functions, busked on the street and on the beach, and participated in North American Zimbabwe Music Festivals. 

“Makeke” means “lots of cake” in Shona, and in current usage has come to mean “very good, very sweet.” We hope you find our music makeke! 
 

CURRENT BAND MEMBERS 

Through the years the music keeps playing on. Some band members dance away and new ones jump right in. The current members of Makeke are: 

Josie Martens, Don MacDonald, Doug Hopwood, Chris Ferris, Sue Wheeler, Sophia Rosenberg, Jen Gobby and Simmah Petersen 
 

TEACHERS AND FRIENDS 

Our first teachers were members of the Victoria, B.C. band Marimba Muzuva, who taught us how to build the instruments and to play, and who continue to offer friendship and inspiration. Special thanks to Dean Samuel and Ted Wright. We have also worked with many musicians and teachers from Zimbabwe and from around North America. We thank them all, especially Pasipamire Gunguwo, Kurai Mubaiwa, Kokanai Mzite, Garadziva Chigamba, and Steven Golovnin.  

CONTACT US 

To buy our CD or to book the band for your upcoming event, call Sophia Rosenberg at 250 333 8623 or email rose4sophia@gmail.com