“Lisangaa” translates literally from the Bantu dialect as “a peaceful gathering” and symbolically as a unity of divergent elements. What started as a gathering of friends in Nairobi has evolved beyond the vocal harmonies and percussion patterns of East Africa to incorporate Western Jazz, Folk, Reggae, and Near Eastern rhythms into a true fusion of World Music. As most of the original cast of Lisangaa moved on to other projects, the band went through a renaissance by blending new musicians, styles, and philosophies. Lisangaa’s members hail from extremely diverse musical backgrounds culminating in a uniquely progressive sound that ultimately redefines the genre of world music. The current project has re-interpreted old songs and chants and weaved in new material along with previously unexplored styles to produce an album as diverse and multi-faceted as the members themselves.The original project began in 1984 in Kenya, and in 1987 they played on national TV around the theme of tribal unity. In 1992 they emigrated to the US under the name “Upendo Singers” and played for CNN and in many festivals around California. Most of the members left to LA, while one of the singers, Kamonde Lubembe, stayed in Stanislaus County to open “Central Valley Foster Care” in Riverbank in order to give back to the community. In 2005 he re-formed Lisangaa once again, and the current line up has been together since then. Lisangaa began recording in 2005, and the debut album “Pangea” was released in November 2007. Lisangaa also donates a portion of every album to local children’s charities.