Magulamberre Band

Magulamberre Band continues the rich musical tradition of chope people in Southern Mozambique. The traditional marimba-style instrument timbila takes a central role in the composition of the band. Rodrigues ‘Magulamberre’ José, vocalist and leading timbila player of the group, grew up in a family of chope musicians, and learned to play in his early chilhood at family gatherings by fireplace. The musics of Magulamberre Band are his versions, based on family’s timbila tradition. The band is composed by two timbilas, percussion to emphasize the rhythm, and saxophone, adding to the melodies of timbila music. Percussionist Ossi Raippalinna uses West-African techniques and masters instruments including djembe and ‘speaking drum’.