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
Produce performances and cultural events
• Deliver workshops and community arts education
• Support professional artist development and visibility
• Build partnerships across communities and institutions
• Document and share African and immigrant stories through multiple art forms
• 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 create a space where African and immigrant artists can share their stories, their music, and their cultural traditions on their own terms.
The roots of the organization trace back to Zimbabwe, where founder Clayton Pasi Gunguwo trained in traditional music and storytelling. After moving to Canada, he began teaching and performing marimba in schools and community spaces in Ontario, later relocating to British Columbia where he founded the award-winning Jabulani World Music Society.
For decades, Clayton’s work has focused on bringing Zimbabwean rhythms and community-based music education into Canadian classrooms, festivals, and cultural spaces.
Today, Izwi Lethu continues that work in Edmonton. Based at the Brandenburg Music store, the organization is building programs that support artists, connect communities, and strengthen the presence of African arts in Alberta.
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.
