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The Zawose Queens

  • Balloon 360° / SAT 15.8.

The Zawose Queens bring Tanzanian Gogo musical tradition to the stage in a form where polyrhythms, multi-part vocals, and the organic sound of traditional instruments feel at once ancient and fully present. Leah Zawose and Pendo Zawose build their music around the chizeze fiddle, the illimba thumb piano, drums, and layered vocal interplay. There is a strong connection to nature, ritual, and dance in their music, along with a clear commitment to carrying the tradition forward.

Leah and Pendo Zawose are the granddaughter and daughter of the late Hukwe Zawose, the most widely known international ambassador of Gogo music, whose work brought the family name far beyond Tanzania. The Zawose Queens’ debut album, Maisha, also marks a historical shift, as the women of this renowned musical family step into the foreground as lead singers, songwriters, and performers for the first time.

In the group’s music, traditional Gogo singing and rhythm meet subtle electronic elements, keeping the sound open and in motion. At its centre are the layered voices, rhythmic precision, and a strong connection to dance.