Media release | MUSASA MARIMBA ENSEMBLE

MUSASA MARIMBA ENSEMBLE has brought the treasure of traditional and contemporary music of Zimbabwe,
Africa to the Big Island for the past 8 years. Musasa’s music is exhilarating, deeply moving, and irresistible to the dancer in each of us. Once they start playing, it is hard to stop dancing.

Michael Breez, Musasa’s musical director is also co-founder and director of Rufaro School of Marimba. Michael has dedicated 33 years to the study of Shona music from Zimbabwe under the guidance of his long time mentor and friend, the late Dr. Abraham Dumisani Maraire. In 1991, Michael and his wife Osha, co-founded the Rufaro School of Marimba, and soon a”er, the performing/recording group MUSASA MARIMBA ENSEMBLE. Michael currently teaches marimba to people of all ages in the western United States including Alaska and Hawaii. Musasa has been a favorite for the past several years at such local events as the Maku’u Farmer’s Market and the Hilo Drum and Percussion Festival.

February 25 will be a “farewell” concert for Musasa, as Michael and Osha Breez, the directors, will be moving to San Diego to support family members there. So this will be your #nal opportunity to experience the joy of this wonderful African marimba music with the current 13 member con#guration . Some of the remaining members of Musasa will be re-grouping to continue playing under a new name.

This final concert for MUSASA marks an ending as we bid ‘Aloha’ to Michael and Osha. At the same time it marks a beginning as the new marimba ensemble forms. Please help the new group raise funds to purchase their own instruments by participating in the Silent Auction that Musasa is hosting. If you have a service or gi” to contribute to the auction please call 965-0506.

Please join us. Come bid in the auction, make a cash donation…but above all, come DANCE DANCE DANCE to the happy sound of MUSASA!

Friday, February 25th – 7pm
LOCATION: Hawaiian Sanctuary (mile marker 12 on hwy 130 just past Pahoa)
COST: $10 – $15 sliding scale