about the ZERBO BROTHERS
Emmanuel
Born in the vibrant West African city of Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, Emmanuel's life has been a symphony of sound from a very young age. Growing up in a musically rich family, he discovered the transformative power of music early on, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Whether it was a repurposed soup can or his mother's cooking pot, every object became an instrument in his hands, a testament to his innate musicality and his ability to connect with others through melody and rhythm.
Self-taught and deeply intuitive, Emmanuel’s musical journey is a testament to his passion and dedication. He's a multi-instrumentalist, expertly wielding the kora, cajon, calabash, bass guitar, drums, and handpan. His musical proficiency extends beyond mere technical skill; he is also a gifted songwriter, crafting heartfelt narratives that resonate deeply. He has released several acclaimed albums, including "Pointi Nege Saba" ("Three Nails"), and “Ça Va Aller” ( “Everything Will Be Alright”) a powerful reflection on the socio-political complexities of his homeland, an anthem of hope and resilience. Beyond these full-length releases, he has also produced several successful singles and an EP, showcasing the breadth and depth of his musical talent.
A collaborative spirit lies at the heart of Emmanuel's artistry. He actively seeks creative partnerships, co-writing with other talented musicians and enriching the artistic landscape with his unique contributions. His music transcends cultural boundaries, inviting listeners to experience the rich tapestry of his African heritage and the universal language of music.
Joseph
A family elder and a man of many talents, brother Joseph brings a rich history of musical traditions, fun, happiness and high fives. He plays a variety of strings including guitars and ngoni, various percussion and background vocals.
We have a lot more to say about him, and will have more information to come.
Darren
Darren starting music lessons at the age of 10, and was playing in his first band by the age of 14. But it wasn’t until his late teens where he stumbled into the “World Music” section of his local library and discovered the treasures that existed outside of western music. Since that time he has been fascinated by ethnomusicology and the adaptation of these musical styles into American music, trying to draw these connections in his own recordings and performances.
For more than 30 years he has performed as a soloist or in small groups across a number of genres including blues, classic rock, bluegrass, folk, Americana, Hawaiian and jazz. While his main instrument is the resonator guitar, Darren plays guitars of all varieties as well as mandolin, 5- and 6-string banjo, tenor ukulele, lap steel, bass guitar, guinbri and tanpura.
Today, Darren remains passionate about how arts and culture can improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and entire communities. As an advocate, he has helped lobby for increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts on Capitol Hill and increased arts education funding for students in local schools. He was formerly adjunct faculty at Oberlin Conservatory of Music delivering instruction in arts advocacy and arts management among others.