The Zikina experience starts with curiosity. If you’re like most audience members, you’ll immediately ask, “What is that he’s playing?” Uganda native Gideon Ampeire draws you in with a variety of traditional East African instruments rarely found in the US, including enanga (zither), adungu (harp), and kalimba (thumb piano)- all of which he builds himself.
Once your interest is piqued by the instruments, you’ll quickly discover that there’s so much more to the band beyond basic novelty. Mike Cardozo (also of Gokh-Bi System) uses his guitar to improvise intricate melodic conversations with Gideon and dances through the beat with punchy rhythmic lines. Roston Kirk on bass and Kade Parkin on drums weave a sonic landscape that flows seamlessly from intense grooves to joyous dance beats to dreamy textures. Gideon's vocals cut powerfully through the fabric or float lightly above. It all adds up to something completely new and unique, yet immediately accessible.
Zikina
