Piwai

Fondly known as the girl with the African thumb piano, the mbira, Piwai wows audiences across the globe with her soulful voice and genre fusing melodies. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Piwai’s love of music is influenced by her multicultural Southern Africa and gospel exposure in early childhood. At age 10 she joined the church choir and by 13 she was writing and performing her own songs. At 19 Piwai left medical school in her native Zimbabwe to pursue a path as a biologist In the US. Although, the pull for music proved far too great during her studies. During and after college years Piwai trained as a jazz vocalist at the Jazz School of Berkeley, studying with world renowned vocalists and instructors such as Vernon Bush, Raz Kennedy, Maye Cavallaro and Frankye Kelly. Piwai went under the tutelage of maestros and renowned percussionist, Yagbe Onilu and conguero, Butch Haynes. Piwai has masterfully created her own hypnotic sound that layers rabi (vocal based rhythms), jazz, blues, traditional folk and reggae on top of the traditional sacred sounds of the 3,000 year old mbira instrument. Her songs capture the delicate aspects of life and explore the wide realm of the human condition. Piwai is a cultural ambassador for several non-profits in the Bay Area and San Diego. In 2014 she was recognized by the Mayor of Long Beach for distinguished service towards cultural awareness, spreading peace and unity through the harmony of music. She promotes music across generations and boundaries. Using music and a connection point, she’s taught music, singing, dance and drumming through the Center for World Music and The Young Musicians Academy in the greater San Diego Area.