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Blessing Chimanga and Marimba Matatu

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Blessing “Bled” Chimanga is an internationally acclaimed Zimbabwean musician, singer, and songwriter, celebrated for his electrifying stage presence and remarkable talent as a multi-instrumentalist. A virtuoso on the marimba, drums, and vocals, Blessing seamlessly blends Afro-jazz, traditional Zimbabwean sounds, and contemporary rhythms to create music that resonates globally. As a dynamic bandleader of the group Dreams, his performances are vibrant, interactive, and deeply soulful, captivating audiences with his infectious energy and passion. Blessing has toured extensively, gracing stages at major festivals across Africa, Europe, Asia, and America, earning recognition as a true cultural ambassador. His ability to connect with audiences transcends language and borders, making him a perfect fit for festivals seeking an artist who can inspire joy, unity, and celebration. A storyteller and crowd-pleaser, Blessing Chimanga is more than a musician—he is an unforgettable experience.

Marimba Matatu was founded by musicians trained by Carla Starck (who is also a Matatu Member) at Fort Collins Marimba. After years of playing together at the studio, we decided to take to the stage and form a group focused on performance. The music that we play is from Zimbabwe and has been taught to us by a number of remarkable teachers. The music layers together in intricate ways --often making melodies and sounds that you can only hear when several people play together. Playing marimba music feels much like singing in a choir. Because each person can play a limited number of notes, we rely on each other to make chords and melodies. Marimba Matatu is thrilled to be bringing this music to the Fort Collins Community.

This event is produced by an outside organization and is unaffiliated with the Downtown Development Authority. The DDA website serves as a marketing outlet for events and promotions occurring inside the Downtown boundary. For questions regarding the event, please contact the event producer.