In honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, the Anzanga African Marimba Ensemble returns to Bainbridge Performing Arts to perform the lively and beautiful melodies of Southern Africa at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9.

For more than 20 years, the Seattle-based ensemble has brought the electrifying and energizing music of African marimba to the national and international stage including regional appearances at the Northwest Folklife Festival and Bumbershoot as well as performances in South Africa and China. The troupe’s repertoire is primarily from Zimbabwe, with influences from throughout Africa, in addition to original compositions. This special public performance is part of BPA’s Cultural Outreach Program.

Anzanga plays using eight marimbas—three sopranos, three tenors, a baritone, and a bass—and hoshos, or gourd shakers. The marimbas are hand-crafted xylophones made from various hardwoods. The tuning is based on the tonalities found in Zimbabwean music. Each key sits above a resonator with a vibrating membrane to amplify the sound and add a unique “buzz” to the music.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children (ages 12 and under), and may be purchased online at www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org, by phone at 206-842-8569 or in person at BPA, 200 Madison Ave. North.