Marimba & Mbira Music From Southern Africa
Otto Gumaelius is a London based, Botswana raised, performing artist & teacher of southern African folk music on the marimba.
We’re delighted to be back at The Rising in Elephant and Castle for another lovely evening of live music from Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana!
Music between 7-9pm.
Free entry.
Join St Peter's North Community Marimba Band and play African folk songs (and more) on the African marimba. Complete beginners are most welcome and there will be plenty of room for growth and development.
The community band is open to 7 marimba players, spread across soprano, tenor and baritone marimbas. We also welcome anyone who would like to join to play drumkit, djembe or shakers with singing.
Some of the things you will learn on this workshop series include:
A repertoire of folk songs from Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana
An understanding of the cultural context of each song
Confidence to play on soprano, tenor and baritone marimbas
Confidence to play several variations interchangeably on each song
The ability to sing some basic vocal lines to the songs you learn
Dates: April 30th, May 7th, 14th, 21st, June 4th, 11th and 19th.
Time: 19:30 - 20:30
Duration: 7 weeks
Location: St Peters North Community Centre, 1 Marian Place, E2 9AX
Cost: £70 for a 7 week term
We’re delighted to bring our music to The Brunswick Pub in Hove on May 3rd 2025.
We’re delighted to be returning to Elementary Festival in Oxfordshire this summer. We will once again also lead a combo marimba, mbira, drumming and singing workshop.
Elementary Festival has put together some of the funkiest acts with serious cultural fusion including Aboriginal traditional performances and workshops all the way from down under, vibrant African drumming sessions, South American ceremonies, and intricate Indian rhythms for a spectacular weekend in Oxfordshire. The festival is ram-packed full of sound journeys, cacoa ceremony, juggling, jams, yoga, dance, poetry, trance dance meditation, food and workshops galore including didgeridoo workshops, all topped off with fantastic nights of musical delights.
Braziers Park, Ipsden, Oxfordshire. OX10 6AN
3rd till 7th July 2025
Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed.
Elementary… the world’s friendliest little festival.
For tickets and more information, visit: https://elementaryfestival.co.uk/performers/
Experience the vibrant heartbeat of South Africa at Yebo! Sounds and Tastes of South Africa Festival.
Dive into a celebration like no other, where the spirit of South Africa comes alive through its soulful music, mouthwatering cuisine, and rich cultural heritage. From the hypnotic beats of traditional drums to the electrifying energy of modern rhythms, Yebo! will take you on a journey through the diverse sounds of the Rainbow Nation. Savor the authentic flavors of South African dishes and immerse yourself in a day of joy, connection, and celebration. Whether you're dancing to the music or tasting something new, Yebo! is more than a festival—it's a vibrant taste of South Africa’s soul. 🌟 Don’t miss it!
Tickets available here.
We’re delighted to bring our music to Erin Arts Centre in Port Erin, Isle of Man, on July 26th 2025.
Join us at Colchester Zoo to celebrate their Summer Lates.
We’ll be on the main stage at the following times:
5:30pm – 6:00pm Main Stage
7:00pm – 7:30pm Main Stage
8:30pm – 9:00pm Main Stage
For more information, visit: https://www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com/
Join us at Colchester Zoo to celebrate their Summer Lates.
We’ll be on the main stage at the following times:
5:30pm – 6:00pm Main Stage
7:00pm – 7:30pm Main Stage
8:30pm – 9:00pm Main Stage
For more information, visit: https://www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com/
We’re delighted to bring our southern African storytelling showcase to Jersey Arts Theatre in St Helier on October 25th 2025. This will be a lovely evening of live music and storytelling for the whole family, featuring marimba and mbira music and folk tales from Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
We’re delighted to be back at The Rising in Elephant and Castle for another lovely evening of live music from Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana!
Music between 7-9pm.
Free entry.
Hosted by Giles King this will be an entertaining night & the stakes are high, where you the audience get to decide who will have that coveted main stage slot at Tropical Pressure 2025!
DATE: Saturday 5th April
TIMES: Bar & Food from 6.00pm. Live Music 8.00pm – 1.00am (Stage times TBA)
TICKETS: Early bird £8 / Advance Online £10 / On The Door £12
THE CONTENDERS
THE CRACKED
All the way from Brighton The Cracked are a 7 piece multi talented band of musicians who are due to release a new album in the spring & will be hoping to showcase some of their new tracks on the main stage of Tropical Pressure this summer. High energy with original material inspired by tropical soca, latin afro, upbeat cosmic disco & balearic beats.
KAKAFONI
Hailing from Cornwall Kakafoni are currently a 7 piece band consisting of Morgan Doughty on guitar, Karum Cooper on flute, Jack Cowley on sax, Will Eason on keys, Noah Warnes on drums, George Offenbach on bass & Taylor Daley on percussion. While Kakafoni are no newbies to Tropical Pressure (they played the Amphitheatre stage last year) they are going for a shot at the main stage this year. With a new EP out in the spring expect jazz, funk, fusion, Latin, hip hop, & something else altogether.
OTTO & THE MUTAPA CALLING
Otto & the Mutapa Calling are a marimba band playing an energetic mix of traditional music from Botswana, South Africa & Zimbabwe. The London based band’s set-up includes soprano, tenor and baritone marimbas, hosho, drumming & singing, with a splash of both traditional & contemporary dances. The marimba band’s sound is full of energy and pulsating rhythms – & the band’s music shares the rich cultures, histories and stories of the people of Southern Africa.
To book your tickets, visit the official website here: https://www.mpecopark.co.uk/events/tropical-pressure-battle-of-the-bands-2/
We’re delighted to be heading back to the Vauxhall Food and Beer Garden for another edition of their South African themed days - Beats x Braai.
Join us at The Jago on November 30th for an unforgettable night of pulsating marimba music from Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana!
Otto and The Mutapa Calling is delighted to be taking part in this year’s EFG London Jazz Festival. Join us on November 23rd and take in the sounds of South Africa, featuring dancing workshops, choirs, and South African jazz legends.
Join us for a special celebration of Black History Month with Otto and the Mutapa Calling at The Rising SE1 from 21.00 on Thursday 10th October. Free entry.
Learn to play the African marimba on this relaxed 5 week workshop series exploring folk songs from southern Africa.
Learn to play the African Kalimba (Mbira Nyunga Nyunga) from Zimbabwe on this relaxed 5 week workshop series exploring folk songs from southern Africa.
Otto and The Mutapa Calling is delighted to be back at Colchester Zoo for their Summer Lates programme this August. Join us on August 10th and 24th at Colchester Zoo to celebrate.
Otto and The Mutapa Calling is delighted to be back at Colchester Zoo for their Summer Lates programme this August. Join us on August 10th and 24th at Colchester Zoo to celebrate.
Otto and The Mutapa Calling will be performing live at Elementary Festival in Oxfordshire this summer. We will also lead an mbira workshop, and a combined marimba, dance and drumming workshop.
Bedford African Community & ACCM UK proudly presents Festival Africa at The Harpur Suite in Harpur Square for an afternoon of traditional songs, drums and dance; storytelling for adults; an African fashion parade; African food and drink stalls; and quizzes and awards. Otto and The Mutapa Calling will perform two short sets at the event.
Celebrate Africa Day with the colourful marimba band, Otto and the Mutapa Calling, supported by sensational Congolese singer Liz Ikamba
Join us at First Fridays by Join The Community - a South African initiative to bring together the southern Africa community.
Learn to play the African marimba on this relaxed 4 week workshop series exploring folk songs from southern Africa.
Learn to play the African Kalimba (Mbira Nyunga Nyunga) from Zimbabwe on this relaxed 4 week workshop series exploring folk songs from southern Africa.
We are super excited to be playing at Boomtown Fair festival. We will play an acoustic set on the Coyote Moon stage in the Valley Village at 5pm on Friday 11th August.
https://www.boomtownfair.co.uk/
Opening act for BCUC (Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness) at Hootannany.
Set time: 7:30 - 8:15
Tickets available here: https://hootanannybrixton.co.uk/bcuc-london-millions-of-us-tour/
We are excited to be part of this year’s Celebraaition Festival’s line up. We will play three sets on the Saturday and do a workshop.
Tickets available here: https://celebraaition.eventcube.io/events/41541/celebraaition-2023
Throughout the May Half Term, Colchester Zoo is hosting a variety of fun activities daily in celebration of turning 60! Their Zoobilee week is bursting at the seams like theirparty balloons and is packed with mystical shows from Magic Iain, Marimba Music, and a Zoo Crew Party! PLUS, so much more!
More information here: https://www.colchester-zoo.com/event/zoobilee-4-june/
It’s Colchester Zoo’s birthday! Join us for their birthday bonanza as the zoo celebrates turning 60! Their special birthday is bursting at the seams just like their party balloons and is packed with shows from Magic Iain, Marimba Music from Otto & The Mutapa Calling, and finished with an Zoobilee Party and later closing time!
More information here: https://www.colchester-zoo.com/event/zoobilee-czbirthday/
Throughout the May Half Term, Colchester Zoo is hosting a variety of fun activities daily in celebration of turning 60! Their Zoobilee week is bursting at the seams like theirparty balloons and is packed with mystical shows from Magic Iain, Marimba Music, and a Zoo Crew Party! PLUS, so much more!
More information here: https://www.colchester-zoo.com/event/zoobilee-30-may/
Otto & The Mutapa Calling is a colourful London based marimba band playing energetic, joyful music from Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana, including folk songs, original songs and popular southern African covers. The band's set-up includes soprano, tenor and baritone marimbas, hosho, drumming and singing. The marimba band’s sound is full of energy and pulsating rhythms - and the band’s music shares the rich cultures, histories and stories of the people of southern Africa.
Tickets and info: https://www.canteenbristol.co.uk/live-music/
We are delighted to be performing as part of Telegraph Hill Festival again this year.
For the festival’s website, please visit: https://www.telegraphhillfestival.org.uk/events
Join us for a late summer evening at Colchester Zoo!
Enjoy a magical twilight spectacular as we remain open until 9.30pm on Saturday 10th and 24th September!
As the temperature drops and the senses sharpen you will have the chance to see some of our animals in a whole new light, as some bed down for the evening whilst for others the night is just beginning! PLUS, we have a range of fun-filled activities taking place into the evening, including tales under the stars and marimba music from Otto & The Mutapa Calling, at no extra cost. View our timetable below for more information and our additional late evening encounters.
Passholders: This event is FREE for Zoo Passholders. Simply turn up on the day and bring with you your valid zoo pass to gain entry into the zoo.
Paying Visitors: Paying visitors are no longer required to pre-book tickets, however, we recommend all non-passholders book their tickets online in advance to receive the best price on admission.
Starlight Safari Night is included within standard admission making your entry AMAZING value for money!
More information here: https://www.colchester-zoo.com/event/starlight-safari-night-24/
Check back in closer to the time for more info.
Join us for a late summer evening at Colchester Zoo!
Enjoy a magical twilight spectacular as we remain open until 9.30pm on Saturday 10th and 24th September!
As the temperature drops and the senses sharpen you will have the chance to see some of our animals in a whole new light, as some bed down for the evening whilst for others the night is just beginning! PLUS, we have a range of fun-filled activities taking place into the evening, including tales under the stars and marimba music from Otto & The Mutapa Calling, at no extra cost. View our timetable below for more information and our additional late evening encounters.
Passholders: This event is FREE for Zoo Passholders. Simply turn up on the day and bring with you your valid zoo pass to gain entry into the zoo.
Paying Visitors: Paying visitors are no longer required to pre-book tickets, however, we recommend all non-passholders book their tickets online in advance to receive the best price on admission.
Starlight Safari Night is included within standard admission making your entry AMAZING value for money!
More information here: https://www.colchester-zoo.com/event/starlight-safari-night-10/
Free entry until 21:30, then £5 on the door.
Otto & The Mutapa Calling is a colourful London based marimba band playing energetic, joyful music from Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana, including folk songs, original songs and popular southern African covers. The band's set-up includes soprano, tenor and baritone marimbas, hosho, drumming and singing. The marimba band’s sound is full of energy and pulsating rhythms - and the band’s music shares the rich cultures, histories and stories of the people of southern Africa.
+ DJ Paulo Fernandez
Tickets and info: https://www.canteenbristol.co.uk/live-music/#events/e77431
