Nhemamusasa (nay-mum-sah-sah): among the oldest songs in the mbira repertoire of Zimbabwe, it means “temporary shelter”. Nhemamusasa encourages a sense of repose among the vicissitudes of life.
- Spiro/Williams

North: “Were you ever out in the Great Alone, when the moon was awful clear,
And the icy mountains hemmed you in with a silence you most could hear;
... While high overhead, green, yellow, and red, the North Lights swept in bars?--
Then you've a hunch what the music meant . . . (a) hunger and night and the stars.”
- Robert Service

Mbira workshop
Outdoor marimba workshop, with marimbas and students playing them

 

We welcome you to join us at Nhemamusasa North, a very special opportunity to gather together in community and immerse yourself in the music and culture of Zimbabwe.


“It was the highlight of my summer. I loved the ‘feel’ of the event: camping out, eating communally, having workshops under the trees, talking with the fabulous Zimbabwean musicians about their lives. Great!” D.P.


“Thank you to everyone for such a connecting, creative, nourishing, and FUN week!” A.D.


 


"The intense loveliness of sharing this week with all of you is still very present. Much gratitude for all of the music and love." B.M.


“Just washed the Nhemamusasa North earth from my feet and my sandals. But it is still in my heart and soul.” J.D.


Women dancing in a yurt with the sun shining down on them through a skylight
Artist drawing of Nhemamusasa map