Shumba has been playing music throughout the Pacific Northwest since 1982, making it one of the oldest and most experienced groups on the west coast to perform this special style of dance music. Marimbas are wooden keyed instruments which are played by striking the keys with special mallets.
Individual resonators hanging beneath the wooden keys serve to amplify each note.
Each resonator is designed to add overtones which, when blended together, create synergistic harmonics. It is not uncommon to see four generations out on the dance floor. The music and rhythms are infectious, making it perfect for events catering to a wide variety of patrons. Several songs also include the Mbira,the traditional instrument of Zimbabwe commonly used at religious ceremonies and festive gatherings. The Mbira is a hand-held wooden instrument on which tuned metal keys are plucked by the thumbs and forefinger.