Okinawa × African Music and Film: Resonance and Empathy between Okinawa and Africa
The Tokyo University of Foreign Studies Field Science Commons (TUFS Field Science Commons) pursues activities exploring new possibilities for field research. (https://www.tufs.ac.jp/tufisco/)
We invite musicians and performers who work from a perspective that crosses the various shared phenomena between Okinawa and Africa, seeking to feel and find clues for thought through collaborative music and visual performances.
This collaboration features Matchume Zango, a leading timbila (xylophone) player and percussionist from Mozambique; Miyako Island-born Maya Koja, an ethnomusicologist and performer specialising in Africa; and Ayaka Taira, an artist from Naha who organises events blending song and sanshin (three-stringed instrument) across art, education, and community
Event Information
●Date: Sunday, 19 October 2025 13:30-15:30 (Doors open at 13:00)
●Venue: Tokyo University of Foreign Studies Prometheus Hall
1st Floor, Agora Global, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, 3-11-1 Asahi-cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo
Access: 5-minute walk from Tama Station (Seibu Tamagawa Line)
10-minute bus ride from Tobitakyu Station (Keio Line)
https://www.tufs.ac.jp/english/abouttufs/contactus/access.html
●Admission: Free
Performers Information
Performers and Moderator
●Matchume Zango
Hailing from Mozambique, he is the country's foremost timbila (xylophone) player and percussionist.
For over 20 years, he has toured globally as a performer and composer of traditional, experimental, and fusion music. In 2013, he established the Nzango Artist Residency. He has successfully collaborated with numerous international artists across various genres, including music performances, theatre, dance, and film, and has recorded several albums. Matchume also released the solo albums Wata M'cande and Tributo a Venâncio Mbande in 2017. In 2022, he obtained a master's degree from the University of Cape Town (UCT).
https://www.matchumenzango.com/
https://instagram.com/nzangoartistresidency
●Mayako Kojya
Born in Miyakojima.
While serving as a JICA Young Volunteer in Mozambique (2006-2008), she became captivated by local music and began research in the field of ethnomusicology. Part-time lecturer at Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts / Lecturer at Odawara Junior College. In 2012, she formed the band Manos, which performs Mozambican music. She also performs with the Okinawan improvisational theatre group 'Full Moon Improvisation' and a contact improvisation group. She currently conducts research and performance activities with a perspective that crosses Mozambique and Okinawa.
●︎Aya Taira
Born in Naha City. Graduated from the Faculty of Education, Ryukyu University, specialising in Art Education. Engaged in various activities within art, education, and the local community. Creates spaces for interaction and creativity that transcend age and status.
Also active as a member of the Uchinaaguchi theatre group Higa-za, and participates in theatre, performance, and music, including events featuring singing and sanshin.
https://tairaaya.wixsite.com/ayatairarara/biography
Moderator：Wakana Shiino (Professor, Research Institute of Languages and Culture in Asia and Africa, TUFS)
Sponsor / Supporter
Sponcered by：TUFS Field Science Commons (TUFiSCo)
Public Relations Support: The African Studies Center at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (ASC-TUFS) and NPO FENICS
Supported by: Grant in Aid for Scientific Research (C) "Musical Practice for Marginalized Knowledge" No. 24K03563 (Principal Investigator: MATSUMOTO(KOJYA) Mayako)