Kudana means to love one another in the Shona language of Zimbabwe. This is our essence: uniting people with the heart and spirit of Africa.

Using seven marimbas, mbira, guitar, percussion, and vocalists, our energetic, visually engaging performances of traditional and original songs create an uplifting experience!

The melodic, spiritual music of Zimbabwe, first brought to the U.S. by Dumisani Maraire, inspired band founder Ong Kar Walen to form Kudana in 1987.

After the heartbreaking loss of  Ong Kar Walen, Kudana continues to move forward by discovering deeper connections with the Zimbabwean sound. Our continued collaboration with Zimbabwean musicians such as dear friend Musekiwa Chingodza and the brilliant guitarist Gilbert Zvamaida has expanded our understanding of the music, enabling us to continue to “show the love,” as Ong Kar wished Kudana to do right from the start.