Chikomo Marimba

Chikomo Marimba Band is a lively and extremely danceable world percussion ensemble that has been performing at festivals, weddings, venues, and special events throughout the Southeast US since 2008. 

Chikomo is known for high energy, tight arrangements, and infectiously joyful grooves. We are based in Asheville, NC, and inspired by the music of the Shona people from Southern Africa (Zimbambwe, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Mozambique). Our repertoire includes a blend of traditional Shona tunes interspersed with other African-inspired stylizations of American folk, blues, rock, and pop music. 

We perform with large hand-hewn wooden marimbas, accompanied by full drum-kit and auxiliary hand percussion instruments and are especially well-suited for festivals, outdoor spaces, and large-stage venues because of the commanding presence and naturally amplificatory quality of our instruments. The polyrhythmic sounds and irresistible grooves get people of all ages shaking their bodies!