The Zawose Queens

Tanzanian duo The Zawose Queens brings ecstatic polyphonic vocals, flowing polyrhythms and traditional instruments to LantarenVenster. Pendo and Leah Zawose, aunt and niece, draw on the musical traditions of the Gogo people from the Dodoma region of central Tanzania while adding contemporary electronic elements.

They are the first female lead performers from the renowned Zawose musical family, continuing the legacy of their father and grandfather, Dr. Hukwe Zawose. Singing in Kigogo, their music reflects connections with nature, ritual, community and their East African heritage.

Their debut album Maisha arrived in 2024, introducing the duo’s combination of voices, percussion and instruments including marimba, ilimba and muheme to an international audience. Expect an uplifting performance where singing, rhythm and movement are closely connected.

Details

Event: The Zawose Queens
Date: Wednesday 11 November 2026
Start: 20:30
Location: LantarenVenster, Rotterdam
Tickets: €18, including €3 service costs
Genre: Global music, East African traditional music and electronic music
Album: Maisha
Seating: Seated concert with free choice of seats

Line-up

Pendo Zawose: vocals, marimba, ilimba, percussion, muheme and djembe
Leah Zawose: vocals, ilimba, percussion, muheme and congas