Meet WOVEN Artist: Tawanda Mapanda

Tawanda is a saxophonist, marimba master and coach, mbira player, percussionist and composer. Has toured around the UK on a project called Bunker of Zion which showcases Zimbabwean culture and performed with different bands from Zimbabwe, the USA and UK.

He will be presenting ECHOES OF A MIGRANT at TANGLESPACE, an innovative fusion of spoken word and marimba music, guiding the emotional arc of the story, while the spoken word artist (Sonia Thakurdesai) provides the textural elements, adding layers of depth to the tale.

Tell us about yourself - where are you based and what is your creative/artistic discipline?

I'm Tawanda Mapanda, a Zimbabwean musician and composer currently based in Swindon. My journey revolves around the enchanting sounds of Zimbabwean traditional instruments like the mbira and marimba, weaving stories through music.

How are you feeling about TANGLESPACE in February?

Excited about TANGLESPACE. It's a chance to connect with a diverse audience and share cultural richness through my compositions.  

What does TANGLE mean to you?

TANGLE, to me, signifies a creative space where diverse artistic expressions unite, celebrating cultural diversity and collaboration. I applied for the micro-commision because it provides a platform to showcase my art.

Can you tell us a little bit about your performance?

ECHOES OF A MIGRANT features the amazing Sonia Thakurdesai. It is an innovative fusion of spoken word and marimba/saxophone music. The marimba sets the emotional backdrop, guided by the spoken word artist who adds depth to the tale and will give a unique storytelling experience, blending tradition and innovation.

TANGLESPACE is our curated platform for performance, networking and fellowship. Join us on Friday 16 February at Hoxton Hall (London) to celebrate our artists of African and Caribbean heritages and theatre traditions of the African diaspora on this unique night of food, drink and sharing. Find out more here.