Timbila Muzimba

Timbila Muzimba, one of Mozambique's most dynamic and popular musical groups, is an eight piece orchestra of Timbila (Mozambican-type xylophones) and African percussion combined with electric bass, drums and guitar. With their modern interpretation of traditional poly-rhythmic melodies fused with the the contemporary urban sounds from Maputo neighborhoods – jazz, hiphop, rock, – Timbila Muzimba has become a cultural icon in Mozambique.

Formed in 1997 by a group of young musicians and dancers from the "Bairro Jardim" neighborhood of Maputo, Timbila Muzimba carries on a rich musical tradition historically associated with the cultural identity of the Chopi people from coastal Inhambane province. Taught by their fathers, uncles and grandfathers who were famous “Timbileiros” in their own right, these musicians have been drumming and dancing since they were toddlers.

As a group of music and dance, the name "Timbila Muzimba" reflects these two elements of the orchestras' identity; the sound of the "Timbila" and the movement of the "Muzimba," the word for body in the Chopi language. Throughout Mozambique there are hundreds of different cultural practices, languages, musical forms and dances. As in the rest of the world, Mozambique has become “smaller” and its varied and unique cultures more accessible. With advances in communications, the possibilities of cultural interaction are increasingly common. The music and dance of Timbila Muzimba reflects the great potential of both preservation and exchange.