An Edmonton-based African arts society building space for authentic cultural expression.
Izwi Lethu means “Our Voice.” We are a multidisciplinary arts society grounded in pan-African methodologies and committed to African and immigrant creativity without dilution, translation, or apology.
Founded in 2023 in Edmonton by Artistic Director Clayton Pasi Gunguwo, Izwi Lethu Arts Society exists to strengthen professional pathways for artists and to build long-term cultural infrastructure through performance, education, documentation, and collaboration.
What We Do
• Create professional platforms for African music and artistic expression
• Deliver accessible arts education through workshops and community programs
• Support African and immigrant artists to tell their own stories
• Build meaningful intercultural dialogue through collaboration and performance
A Canada where immigrant voices are not marginal but essential to the cultural landscape.
Izwi Lethu Arts Society was founded in Edmonton to answer a simple but urgent need: a professional space where African and immigrant artists can define their own narratives. The roots stretch back to Zimbabwe, where founder Clayton Pasi Gunguwo trained in traditional music and storytelling. After relocating to Canada, he taught and performed marimba in Ontario, then moved to British Columbia where he founded the award-winning Jabulani World Music Society. Across decades of work, Zimbabwean rhythms and community-based learning moved into Canadian schools, festivals, and community spaces. Izwi Lethu is currently housed at Brandenburg Music Store www.brandenburgmusic.ca buiding Alberta chapter , informed by experience, and focused on sustainable cultural infrastructure.
2023 — Izwi Lethu Arts Society formally established in Edmonton; launch focused on marimba performances and workshops.
2024 — Collaborations and showcases at Edmonton Intercultural Centre, Africanival, K-Days, Chalk It Up Festival, and Kaleido.
2025 — Expansion into visual arts and new collaborations; launch of visual artist Yvonne McFee at K-Days; Ngorimba performs at the Folklorama Africa Pavilion (Saskatchewan); weekly community marimba classes established at Brandenburg.
