| Folk Arts - Master Artist - Lora Chiorah-Dye
Zimbabwe native Lora Chiorah-Dye began learning to sing, dance, drum, and play marimba and mbira at an early age, as age-old traditions that were passed from generation to generation in her family. Playing show games where she sang and danced as a child motivated her to continue pursuing these art forms. In 1970 she moved from Zimbabwe to the United States. Here she met her husband, Dumi Maraire and began performing with in his band. Chiorah-Dye has also taught marimba, storytelling, singing, mammbas, drumming, and mbira to children in the Washington school system.
In 1980 she formed the Sukutai Marimba and Dance Ensemble to celebrate the heritage of Zimbabwe's Shona people and to provide an opportunity for teaching music and dance to Americans. Ensuring that these cultural practices won’t be forgotten, Lora has passed her knowledge down to her children and grandchildren who have become Sukutai performers. Along with teaching immediate family members, she has shared her talent with African American youth who have learned about their African heritage.
A recipient of the 2006 Folk Arts Fellowship, Lora Chiorah-Dye is a master artist whose talent builds a link connecting adults and youth to African culture. | |||
