Blessing Bled Chimanga
Blessing Chimanga is an internationally celebrated Zimbabwean musician renowned for his extraordinary talent as a marimba player, singer, songwriter, and percussionist. As a cultural ambassador for Zimbabwe, he has captivated audiences across Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Africa.
Blessing’s music is distinguished by its energetic African rhythms and his virtuosic marimba performances, complemented by his magnetic stage presence and engaging entertainment skills.
He has graced prestigious festivals worldwide, including the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) in Zimbabwe, the Global Isai Festival in India, and the Iguazú en Concierto in Argentina. Blessing has collaborated with iconic musicians such as Oliver Mtukudzi (Zimbabwe), Sona Jobarteh (Gambia), Freshlyground (South Africa), and Eric Wainaina (Kenya).
Blessing has travelled to 20+ Countries as a performer, workshop facilitator and leadership speaker.
His influence extends beyond performances to cultural diplomacy. Notably, he represented Zimbabwe at the OneBeat arts residency in the USA (2014) and served as the Music Director of HIFA in 2018. As a passionate advocate for marimba music, he has coached bands in Zimbabwe and internationally, including touring Argentina four times with the Winad Marimba Band.
In 2024, he achieved a remarkable milestone by selling out the 250 seater ETOWN hall for his highly anticipated Blessing Experience Show.
In 2024, he achieved a significant milestone by selling out the Durango Arts Center and the Roots Music Project during his inaugural Colorado Tour. This success not only showcased his immense talent but also resonated deeply with fans across the state.
He made history in 2024 by selling out the Blueroom in Bellingham during his very first visit to the city. The excitement was palpable as fans gathered to witness a memorable performance, marking a significant milestone in his career. Bellingham welcomed him with open arms, and the night was nothing of extraordinary.
Blessing coaches marimba and produces at the Kutandara Center in Colorado, USA, and serves as a key adjudicator for prominent marimba competitions, including the largest in South Africa in 2024, involving over 400 African bands.
His contributions to African music and marimba education have been widely recognized. In 2024, his Voice of America TV interview became one of the channel’s most viewed pieces, highlighting his impact as a global ambassador for African music and culture.
Blessing Chimanga has an impressive discography that showcases his versatility as a musician. He has released four recorded albums:
• Three albums with his electric band, where he blends traditional African rhythms with contemporary sounds to create a dynamic and innovative musical experience.
• One album purely dedicated to marimba, highlighting his virtuosity and passion for the instrument while preserving and celebrating African musical traditions.
These albums reflect Blessing’s ability to bridge traditional and modern music, solidifying his place as a leading figure in the global music scene.