Mbira Dziva plays traditional mbira music of the Shona people of Zimbabwe. Based in Santa Cruz, California, the group is led by Tom Melkonian and Melissa Cara Rigoli who have studied and played mbira for decades, and both whom have traveled to Zimbabwe independently to further their studies. They continue to have long standing relationships with their teachers who have inspired them so much over the years.

Today, they are invited to perform regularly with visiting Zimbabwean mbira masters, and they have been encouraged by their teachers to teach mbira to their local community — the impetus behind creating Santa Cruz Mbira.

Listen to some of our soundcloud recordings, watch some videos, or visit our facebook page — and let us know what you think!