Zivanai (Zi) Masango and Helen Masvikeni-Masango, on a short Pacific Northwest tour, turned the New Prospect Theatre into a Zimbabwean dance party on a recent night. With help from friends Rujeko and Napolean, and members of Bellingham’s own Ukama, Zi and Helen delivered a sampling of the rich tradition that is Zimbabwean music.
For those who may be unfamiliar, Zimbabwe’s musical tradition goes back centuries — from its vital role in traditional Bira ceremony to protest songs as a symbol of hope during the fight for independence from British colonial rule. For this performance, Zi drew on the traditional (mbira, Ngoma drums, and hosho) as well as the modern (guitar, bass, and looping technology) to create an evening on Sept. 2 of irresistible music from Zimbabwe, South Africa, and the Diaspora.
Watch Zivanai Masango perform “Cecilia” live by Zimbabwean composer James Chimombe on YouTube:
The name Masango comes from Bantu culture, common among the peoples of South Africa and Zimbabwe. Loosely translating to “forests,” it denotes a familial connection to nature. Born in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, the award-winning music artist, audio engineer and producer has traded the forests of his native homeland for the mountains of Boulder, Colorado. Zi’s music still evokes the musical traditions he grew up with. For this performance, Zi teamed up with Helen Masvikeni-Masango, herself a dynamic vocalist, percussionist, dancer, and artist. The duo was also joined by dancer/percussionist Rujeko and mbira player/percussionist Napoleon, as well as members of Bellingham’s own marimba group, Ukama.
Listen to Zivanai Masango’s latest release, Kutenda-Gratitude, on Spotify:
Zi and Helen took turns introducing each song with lengthy explanations describing their origins and meaning. Particularly striking was Zi’s explanation of how music eased cultural tensions during the Zimbabwean fight for independence. As is so often the case in armed conflicts, villagers found themselves caught in the middle between the freedom fighters and government troops. Music was one way to defuse the tension, and create a semblance of normalcy in day-to-day life. As Zi said, “The lyrics may be sad, but the music is happy.”
As the evening went on, more and more people were seduced by the mellow but uptempo melodies, filling in the rather sizable dance “floor,” happily moving to the beat and singing along. The comment from Zi, “this is what it feels like in the village,” brought home to me (again) how music transcends both space and time. Much like musical forms in the United States like folk, gospel, and blues (forms that, in fact, trace their origins to Africa), traditional Zimbabwean tunes and melodies are passed down from generation to generation, honoring the past, reveling in the present, and dreaming of a better future. Thus, when Zimbabwean musical masters sing of their heritage, those of us from another continent and culture can identify with, and embrace, the musical and lyrical commonalities we all share. In fact, one might say that the New Prospect Theatre became its own little village this evening, sharing in the same happiness experienced by generations before us and keeping life’s conflicts at bay. If only just for a little while.
Watch Zivanai Masango perform “Take Me Home” live on YouTube:
The New Prospect Theatre continues to surprise, and delight, with the variety and diversity of musical artists who’ve graced its Lucas Hicks Auditorium stage. Zivanai Masango’s Pacific Northwest tour has ended for now, but he regularly performs throughout the USA and has a robust social media footprint-visit his YouTube channel, Zivi Music here, or find him on Facebook and Instagram.
Here are some more photos of Masango at the New Prospect Theatre on Sept. 2, 2025. All photos courtesy of and copyright Mark Caicedo.
