The Zawose Queens - WOMADelaide

As women singers and lead performers, The Zawose Queens are pioneers in the traditionally male-dominated music of the Gogo (AKA Wagogo) people. Their dance-inspired music blends traditional instruments with their spirited voices and contemporary electronic elements. There's a connection to nature, to ceremony and to ritual in their music, which combines the organic, harmonic and electronic. In their native Kigogo language, their lyrics tell of a passion for music and the wonders of life, and speak of pride in their environment, in tradition and in their East African roots. Pendo and Leah Zawose's father and grandfather, respectively, is the late Dr Hukwe Zawose, who performed at WOMADelaide in 1995. He is the most famous exponent of this music tradition, but he only allowed women to sing background vocals. These next generations of women are now telling their own stories in their own voices.