Panjea by Chris Berry

Chris Berry
(Composer, Arranger, Instrumentalist, Dancer, Teacher, Lecturer and Performer)

Chris Berry was only 13 when his introduction to traditional African drumming set him on a musical pathway that would eventually lead to the number one spot on Zimbabwe’s Hit Pick list (the Zimbabwean equivalent to Billboard’s Top-40). The songs that occupied this coveted position for four consecutive months were featured in Mari ne Chitna, an album that remained at the top of the charts for the entire year of 1992. Mari ne Chitmawas one of two best-selling albums that Chris, along with several of Zimbabwe’s and Mozambique’s finest musicians, recorded in Africa. Two additional successful albums were recorded by Chris and his band Panjea in the United States.

Chris Berry’s long story, compiled in a relatively short period of time, centers around his multifaceted life as a talented composer and arranger, accomplished instrumentalist, energetic dancer, inspirational teacher and electrifying performer. All of these roles have been enhanced by Chris’ work, over a period of eight years, with the National Ballet of Zimbabwe, the National Dance Company of Mozambique, Ballet Du Congo, Black Umfolosi (Zimbabwe’s internationally renown acapella group), as well as numerous groups of traditional dancers, drummers, and mbira players in Central and Southern Africa.

Currently, Chris divides his time between two continents, Africa and America.

While in Zimbabwe, Chris conforms to the popular culture by speaking fluent Shona and adhering to traditional Shona customs. In addition, he serves as a guide for Kunzwana, a Zimbabwean based, non-profit organization, “dedicated to the promotion and dissemination of work by performing artists and instrument makers in exchange for fair reward.” Throughout Africa, Chris is a respected mbira dzavadzimu player and is often employed as an equal partner with other master mbira players at mabria (ceremonies dedicated to calling on the ancestral spirits).

In the United States, Chris tours the country, teaching workshops, lecturing and performing individually as well as with his band, Panjea.

Fueled by an ever-growing passion for African culture, music and dance, the journey that began in 1982 continues to consume Chris Berry’s undived time and attention. According to Chris, “my journey is one that is best when shared with others.” Apparently all the people touched by Chris Berry’s life and work would agree.

chrisberrymusic.org