Baba Shibambo is a Master Hand Drummer, an international touring performer and Recording Artist. He was born in South Africa, a Zulu. Shibambo translates into English as guardian of the skins, and the Shibambos were esteemed for their position as caretakers of the tribe's animal skins for clothing and most importantly for their drums, having vast amounts of land and many cattle, a sign of true prosperity.
Shibambo grew up during the Apartheid era. He began playing traditional African drums as a boy. Proceeding years found him touring internationally with South African stage productions, both musical and theatrical, even playing for Nelson Mandela. He is a multi-instrumentalist, playing percussion, African djembe, uudu, conga, marimba, mbira (kalimba or finger piano); even the haunting Bushman's bow.
Shibambo is preparing to release his second CD, "African Skin on Skin" Reflections of a South African Hand Drummer, in 2004. The CD features Shibambo playing all the indigenous African instruments himself, as well as performing all the vocals to the music he has created. It is a compilation of ancient African tribal rhythms; deeply hypnotic and mesmerizing. The listener embarks on a spellbound journey through rhythms and melodies intertwined with haunting, healing, often joyful, and always compelling vocals. Great dance songs abound! Shibambo successfully blends the age-old teachings of the elders of long ago Africa, with a reflection on his life through Apartheid era South Africa, and the more intimate personal trials in this modern-day world.
Shibambo is available on tour, performing his music as a solo artist, accompanied by his back-up band, or as a keynote speaker on diversity. His unique, "Safari Rhythm of Culture in the Classrooms", Project has been successful in a variety of educational settings. From pre-school to university, he is warmly received and always rewarded by the students' interest in cultural diversity and their eagerness to learn and play the instruments he introduces to them.
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