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Tute Chigamba was born into a family of traditional and spiritual musicians. The son of a master drummer and dancer, Chigamba has kept the traditions of his musical heritage alive so that now many of his own children and gra ndchildren lead others in carrying on these traditions. A key player at ceremonies during the struggle for independence from 1972-1979, Chigamba's popularity has since spread not just across Zimbabwe, but throughout the world. He has introduced thousands of people to mbira and now receives students from many countries at his home in Zimbabwe where he continues to compose songs, make mbiras and hold healing ceremonies.

Irene Chigamba is founder and artistic director of Mhembero Dance Troupe. She learned to play mbira from the age of eight by watching her father. Her training in Zimbabwean traditional dance began with her father, mother and relatives in the village. Later, as a longtime member of the National Dance Company of Zimbabwe she learned about the performance and cultural context of dances from other regions of Zimbabwe, and gained choreographic skills that guide her work with Mhembero today. Irene teaches mbira, drums, marimba and dance both privately and at the Zimbabwe College of Music. She continues to research traditional dance and music in an effort to preserve the culture in Zimbabwe. Together and independently, Irene and Tute have performed in USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, England, Austria, Mozambique, Zambia, Russia, India, North Korea, China and Malaysia among other countries.

Julia Chigamba came to the US in 1999 after many years dancing with Mhembero Dance Troupe. Two years later, in Oakland, California, she established the organization Tawanda muChinyakare and the music and dance company Chinyakare to share the beauty and wisdom of her culture in the USA. Currently, she is creating - in collaboration with local community organizations, volunteers and now, her family - a new concert-length performance called Bembero Mudengu/Sharing My Story. The project is supported by a Haas Foundation Creative Work Fund grant and premieres June 4 in Berkeley, California. Julia continues to teaches dance, music and culture in Oakland schools and in the community.

Ronnie Daliyo, cousin of the Chigamba family, has been a dancer and musician with Mhembero since 1993. He performs and teaches dance, drumming, marimba and vocals.

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