The Zawose Queens
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“soaring chizeze fiddle, buzzing illimba thumb piano, ngoma drums that chatter and thunder”
The Zawose Queens
Pendo and Leah Zawose showcase the fluid polyrhythms and rapturous polyphonic singing of the Wagogo people of the Dodoma region of central Tanzania. Descended from one of Tanzania’s most distinguished musical families (the late, great Dr Hukwe Zawose is Pendo’s father and Leah’s grandfather), this project marks the first time that women from this famous musical family take their place as lead vocalists and performers.
The Queens are joined on stage by Ben Brown (Waaju, Mulatu Astatke) and Tal Janes, bringing crispy, psychedelic drums and guitar to the Queens powerful, spiritual mix of illimba thumb piano, marimba, ngoma drums and powerful vocal harmonies.
The powerful 4 piece live show has seen them explode onto the European scene into the past 12 months, playing prestigious festivals including Glastonbury (UK), Lowlands (NL), Womad (UK, ES, AUS), Transmusicales (FR), Le Guess Who (NL), MiL (PT) and Womex (FI).
Produced by Tom Excell (Nubiyan Twist, Onipa) and Oli Barton-Wood (Ezra Collective, Jordan Rakei, Obongjayar ), their debut album on Real World came out in June 2024 to an incredible reception, with special features in The Guardian, Financial Times, strong support from The Quietus and Songlines, plus radio support from Gilles Peterson and many others. Next record in production and scheduled for late 2026….