This EP, Ravidzo yeSadza ("A little taste of Sadza") was recorded in 2013 at the music studios of the California State University, Monterey Bay. The performers are Lola Britton, Marion Brodkey, Kim Dowling, Becca Moeller, Lanier Sammons, River Smolen, Kitty Stein and Betty Weiss. It contains three tracks that we often perform for our fans and have finally recorded for their pleasure! "Chipo" is composed by Zex Manatsa and published by Gallo Music Publishers, arranged for marimba by Garadziva Chigamba. "Nhemamusasa" and "Zomba" are composed/arranged by Dumisani A.Maraire, and published by Owl’s Head Music, BMI. All rights reserved. Sadza is a marimba band based in Santa Cruz, CA. We perform traditional and contemporary dance music of Zimbabwe. Sadza performs on traditional-style instruments, including six large hardwood marimbas with drum and hosho (gourd shakers) providing the accompanying rhythm. Our vocals are in the Shona language of Zimbabwe. Much of our music has ancient roots in the spiritual traditions of the Shona people of Zimbabwe. The Shona word "sadza" refers to the traditional staple food for most of Zimbabwe's indigenous peoples. The band Sadza provides musical sustenance for its listeners in the form of ecstatic dance music. Sadza brings audiences to their feet with their joyful and memorable performances of Zimbabwean dance music. Sadza performs at venues that include world music and jazz festivals, farmer’s markets, street fairs, theaters, pubs, private or corporate parties and weddings. Our recordings are Mukonde weSadza ("A large serving of Sadza", 2004) and Zuva Mwedzi Nenyeredzi ("Sun, Moon and Stars", 2010). Our music is also featured on the CDs Ndiri Mumhanzi by Shamwari Muninga and Mwoyochena kuZimbabwe (various artists), both released in 2009. We were honored to receive the following proclamation from the City of Santa Cruz, CA on September 1, 2002: “We celebrate Sadza today as a Santa Cruz community treasure. This community honors Sadza’s musical talent and its willingness to take their music out to the people of this community, frequently performing in public, on the street, as part of a cherished and time-honored Santa Cruz community tradition. We salute Sadza’s abounding energy which it freely shares with this city’s residents as it entertains, enlightens and brightens the lives of all of us. Sadza is an example of the creative, enthusiastic, caring and compassionate music Santa Cruz is known for.” Some press about Sadza: “Layer upon layer of interlocking rhythms will feed your imagination and nourish your soul. The Santa Cruz-based group Sadza, named after the staple food of Zimbabwe, uses marimbas and mbiras to bring listeners to a dancing frenzy. Sadza's driving beats and synchopated phrases will appeal to a cross-section of musical tastes, satisfying everyone from punks to jazz buffs. The music is rooted in the ancient spiritual traditions of the Shona people, and a legacy of energy, ecstasy and musical mastery continues." Claire O'Connor, Good Times Santa Cruz "If you've ever seen the marimba group downtown pounding out a lively and uplifting mix of traditional Zimbabwean tunes, then you've already heard Sadza...unplugged. Their recent performance opening for Thomas Mapfumo featured amplified vocals and mbiras (traditional Zimbabwean thumb piano), oh-so-sweetly accompanying the driving rhythms of the mini marimba orchestra. Expect plenty of dance-floor action when this local group of percussionists performs." Mike Connor, Metro Santa Cruz "Santa Cruz, California must have just the right climate for growing marimba bands in the wild. The dearly departed Dandaro, the vibrant Kuzanga, and now Sadza are all top-notch examples of North American marimba. Mukonde weSadza is a strong album. The playing is powerful and fast for good dancing, and the audio quality brings out all the instruments and their timbres. The band's singing is strong; particularly the women of Sadza are really learning to belt it out. My favorite track is the towering and triumphant Tovera, arranged by Musekiwa Chingodza, reminding me strongly of Mhondoro. Joe Keefe's arrangement of Tute Chigamba's mbira song Nyatwa is perfectly quirky and wonderful. This kind of mbira arrangement, originally designed ergonomically for two people's six fingers, is truly difficult for seven people's pairs of arms to play at all, and Sadza pulls it off nicely. I also really like (Chris Berry's composition) Wandirasa sei, which sounds to me just like Taireva in an interesting key, with all the familiar Taireva high lines and melodic and rhythmic variations, although Joe says it's modally different enough from Taireva to justify calling it a new composition. As time goes on I become less enamored of elaborately-arranged marimba music, so I'm immune to the charms of some of the tracks on this album, but it's all well arranged and well performed. When Sadza really shines for me on Mukonde weSadza is when they just kick back and play their hearts out." Paul Novitski, Dandemutande website "Live recordings usually leave much to be desired: audience intervention and long introductions can interfere with the remote cd listening experience; not so with Sadza's Mukonde weSadza, recorded live at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz. A quiet first few notes lead to an outbreak of marimba and mbira players in joyful exuberance, then vocals tastefully introduced and interwoven in polyrhythmic contractions. This is non-African Zimbabwean marimba at its best: gorgeous songs, great celebrations of Zimbabwean traditions- and all out of California, USA by a non-African-rooted band. By the way, "sadza" is a porridge staple in Zimbabwe and Mukonde weSadza is a recommended staple in any marimba-loving library collection." Diane C. Donovan, World Discoveries website Some quotes from our fans: "Joyous, uplifting and fun, the organic tones and pulsating rhythms of Sadza were one of the highlights of the 2006 Monterey Jazz Festival!" –Tim Jackson, Artistic Director, Monterey Jazz Festival “Sadza embodies the most lively, engaging, and fun stage presence. They smile while they play, they smile at each other, and they connect with the audience!” – James Von Hendy “I saw both sets played by Sadza, and the music really moved me. It was full of energetic happiness. Everybody there had the same experience. Wow!” -– Paul L. Knight “What a great time! Everywhere you looked, people had broad smiles on their faces. The sound of the marimbas and other instruments evoked sunny Caribbean beaches. Can you imagine waking up every day to this kind of music? It would be paradise!" – J. Sooby “Your music the other evening was blissful. Thank you for making the perfect ending to our evening.” - Jesse Baldwin “Your music was absolutely fabulous. The singing came through very well, and it couldn’t have been better. The variety of your program was also much appreciated.” – Paul Hostetter “Thank you for the wonderful music at our party. It was quite a lively afternoon! Thank you all again for helping make the afternoon so delightful.” – Christine Eckstrom “My family and I really enjoyed your show at Kuumbwa last night. And even though it is great to hear and see you in person, your new CD goes fabulously with our pajamas, pancakes and eggs this morning!" – Sharon Sweet “I noticed that on both sides of the street there were baby carriages with infants and toddlers, legs bobbing to the beat of your music. One baby, across Pacific from you and moving away, was sitting fully up, body twisted to look back to see where the sound was coming from. Babies (small ones!) are clearly tuned to your music and they've got lots of rhythm. It made me smile to see that movement. Congratulations! You should be honored! And thanks for spreading your music today.” – Barbara Crum “We discovered Sadza at the Monterey First Night Festival. The group was so impressive we returned the following year and had Sadza at the top of our “must see” list. The fun nature of Sadza’s music and the unique style of performance is truly a treat at any age.” – Nancy of Modesto, CA “Terrific music, it’s wonderful to see such talent promoting music that honors traditions and culture of Zimbabwe…definitely looking forward to hearing and seeing you live.” – Arnold “I have friends who saw Sadza perform at the Palo Alto farmer's market. They go regularly, and said they have never seen another band get so much attention from the crowd. They loved the music and said your energy was fantastic!” – Email from Fan “Please extend my sincerest thanks to all of Sadza for the great show you put on yesterday in Campbell. The community’s positive response to you was overwhelming and fun to watch. I’d love to have you back on a regular basis.” – Steve, Director Campbell Farmer’s Market