Our Team and Governance
The Hukwe Zawose Foundation is guided by a team of cultural practitioners, organizers, educators, and community leaders who share a deep commitment to African heritage. Each member brings practical experience, cultural knowledge, and a strong connection to community-based work. Together, they ensure that the Foundation’s programs are grounded, inclusive, and impactful.
Our team works across cultural preservation, education, youth development, documentation, and international exchange. From designing artist residencies to mentoring young creatives and safeguarding indigenous knowledge, the Foundation’s work is shaped by collaboration and respect for tradition.
Preserving and Innovating African Musical Heritage
Meet the dedicated individuals driving our mission to celebrate and sustain African culture.
Msafiri Zawose
Cultural Programs Director
Msafiri brings deep expertise in traditional music and community outreach, fostering cultural growth.
Njambi Ndeto
Community and Residencies Coordinator
An exxpert in Community engagement
Happiness Zawose
Archiving and Documentation Happy leads efforts in preserving indigenous knowledge through detailed cultural archiving.
Benjamin Nelson
Youth Mentorship Lead
Benjamin inspires and guides young talents in embracing their cultural heritage and skills.
Meet the Faces Behind Our Mission
Discover the dedicated team members who bring the Hukwe Zawose Foundation’s vision to life through passion and expertise.
Beyond the Core Team
In addition to the core leadership, the Foundation works with a wider circle of collaborators, including musicians, dancers, instrument makers, farmers, researchers, storytellers, and cultural custodians. These contributors play an essential role in shaping our programs and ensuring authenticity in everything we do.
We also welcome visiting artists, researchers, and cultural practitioners who join us through residencies and exchanges, adding new perspectives while learning from local traditions.
Dedicated Experts Driving Cultural Impact
Meet the cultural ambassadors, artisans, and educators united by a shared goal of nurturing indigenous knowledge and creativity.
Building a Sustainable Future Together
What unites our team is a shared belief that African culture is not something of the past, but a living resource for education, identity, and sustainable development. We approach our work with humility, responsibility, and openness to learning across generations and cultures.
We support innovation rooted in tradition, allowing culture to evolve without losing its integrity.
We value intergenerational knowledge transfer, ensuring elders and tradition bearers remain central to cultural education.
We believe in youth empowerment, creating pathways for young people to build skills, confidence, and livelihoods through the arts.
We prioritize community-led initiatives, working with local partners rather than imposing external models.
