Otto & The Mutapa Calling

Otto & the Mutapa Calling is a lively London based marimba band playing energetic, joyful music from Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe, including folk songs, original songs and popular southern African covers.

The band’s set-up includes soprano, tenor and baritone marimbas, mbira, hosho, drumming and singing, with both traditional and contemporary dances. The marimba band’s sound is full of energy and pulsating rhythms – and our music shares the rich cultures, histories and stories of the people of southern Africa.

The band was officially formed in 2017 by band leader, Otto Gumaelius, who started playing African music on the marimba in the late 1990s in Botswana, and the band is comprised of musicians from Botswana, Zimbabwe and the UK.

Some highlights from our 2018 summer performances include Wandsworth Arts Fringe, All Points East Festival, Heritage Zimbabwe Festival, Make Music UK Day, From The Forest Festival, Art Night London, One Love Festival and Leytonstone Street Festival.

Otto & The Mutapa Calling is a unique and colourful experience and is the only active professional marimba band of its kind in all of Europe.

Testimonials

 “Otto and his team played a wonderful show for us at the architectural association for the annual summer party! He’s great with communication and always willing to help in any way he can. It’s great working with someone who takes his profession seriously and I would highly recommend him”

Leo Hasseriis, Architecture Association School Of Architecture

“You really added such a great celebratory atmosphere to our wedding and the guests absolutely loved it! Fantastic music! You are all so talented! Thank you for helping make our day so special!”

Emma Tang

“We saw you play at the Southbank the other day – you were all amazing! My boyfriend and I loved you, such great fun and absolutely the highlight of our day!”

Katherine Ridley

“Brilliant performance! These artists are creating something unique that deserves a wider audience.”

Clifford Coker

“You guys were amazing! Thank you for making our day so memorable!”

Ngaa Zivuku

“A southern African acoustic band, led by Otto Gumaelius, marimba performing artist and teacher, provided an intriguing performance that fascinated everyone”

African Cuisine Magazine

“With high energy and an authentic sound, they never disappoint and always have the audience on their feet”

Heidi Sincuba, Curator Of Makeba / Heidi Sincuba Presents