Catherine Knuutila / Tanzanian songs
Catherine “Kelly” Knuutila is a Tanzanian dancer and musician living in Tampere. Born into the musical Mponda family, Catherine started to sing already as a child. Her parents taught their children songs from various regions of Tanzania, in different languages, but especially songs of the Ngoni and Manda people.
Catherine studied music, dance and theatre at the Bagamoyo College of Arts in Tanzania. After that she has been part of several dance and theatre productions, and she has also worked as a background singer, e.g. in Tanzanian reggae star Jhikoman’s band. Lately, she has been mostly performing with The Mpondas Family Band.
Catherine is known for he beautiful, strong voice. At the workshop, on Thu 1.8.2013 at 17.30 – 19.00, she will be sharing some of her family’s musical heritage with us. We will learn traditional Tanzanian songs and practice the style of singing and the harmonies characteristic of these songs. Everybody is welcome!