Siama’s Congo Roots

Siama invites you to join him at Ravine Landing, 9653 Keats Avenue South, Cottage Grove on this very special musical journey to Africa!

COMPAS Teaching Artist and 2026 American Composers Forum McKnight Fellow Siama Matuzungidi is a Congolese-born musician known for his intricate guitar, catchy songs, spirited singing, and traditional African instruments like Mbira (thumb piano), Lokole (tongue drum), and Balafon (marimba). Siama is joined by vocalist, storyteller, and hand percussionist Dallas Johnson. Together, they encourage everyone to sing along in Kikongo and Lingala while they both tell stories that bring Siama’s hometown in rural Bas Congo to life.

This program is for all ages and is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Parking at Ravine Regional Park is free on the first Tuesday of every month.