Zimcowa · Artists
The sound of Zimbabwe, at home in Seattle.
The musicians, singers and image-makers who fill our gatherings.
Legend · The Lion of Zimbabwe · Mukanya
Thomas Mapfumo
Thomas Tafirenyika Mapfumo
One of Africa’s most influential musicians. Mapfumo created chimurenga music, carrying the patterns of the mbira onto electric guitar, and his songs gave voice first to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and later to sharp criticism of Robert Mugabe’s government. His popularity and the political weight of his music earned him the names “The Lion of Zimbabwe” and “Mukanya”.
He performed for our community at one of our Zimbabwe Independence Day celebrations in the park, surrounded by elders who grew up on his music, many of them in Mukanya T-shirts.
Visiting star · May 2025
Tamy Moyo
Thamsanqa “Tamy” Moyo · Afro-fusion singer, songwriter, guitarist and actress · Harare, Zimbabwe
Born in Harare in 1998, Tamy Moyo began singing in her primary school choir at seven and became a Childline Zimbabwe Child Ambassador at thirteen. Her 2016 hit “Ndibereke” made her a national name, and she has since become one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated voices.
In May 2025 she headlined Festál’s free Spirit of Africa festival at Seattle Center, and the Zimbabwean community welcomed her with a night of its own.
Behind the lens
Deborah Sibanda
Portrait and event photographer · Seattle
“The best photographs are born from genuine connections.”
Deborah has photographed our community’s biggest days. Her style blends documentary and artistic photography: the candid laugh, the elder at the marimba, the flag in the dance circle, each one a story waiting to be told.
Jan. 17, 2026 · MLK weekend
ZNi & Friends
Ziyanai “ZNi” Maraire · Maraire Music · Columbia City Theater
“The only thing that stops hate is love.”
From Seattle’s Maraire music family, alongside Dumi, Draze, Baba, Mazvita.
Our collaborators
The musicians who fill our circles.
Lora Chiorah-Dye
A pioneer of Zimbabwean song and marimba in the Northwest, whose work shaped the music our gatherings are built on.
Chris Anderson · PikeStreetDrummer
Seattle street drummer and activist who helped shape If You Can Walk, You Can Dance.
Anzanga Marimba
Zimbabwean marimba ensemble and collaborator on our 2022 park programme.
Paul Mataruse
Mbira and marimba musician and collaborator on our 2022 park programme.
Bring the music to the park.
Every Zimcowa gathering is a stage for Zimbabwean artists and an open invitation for neighbours to dance.