Sub Sahara Jazz Tribe: Reviving Zimbabwe’s Jazz Legacy with Class and Passion
In Zimbabwe, jazz music is often regarded as the soundtrack for the mature and discerning ear—an art form appreciated more for its depth than its dazzle. Unlike more mainstream genres such as rhumba, Zimdancehall, or sungura, where spectacle and star power often take center stage, jazz continues to attract a loyal following that values its sophistication and cultural richness. And now, with the emergence of the Sub Sahara Jazz Tribe, the country’s jazz landscape is experiencing a welcome revival.
Once known as Summer Breeze, the Sub Sahara Jazz Tribe is far from your average music group. This elite ensemble comprises veteran musicians with more than 150 years of combined experience. Drawn from influential groups like Jabavu Drive, The Cannibals, and Amagents—bands that have shaped Zimbabwe’s jazz heritage—the Tribe embodies the genre’s historical essence while charting a new future.
Key figures in the band include Vincent Kapepa on bass, Chris Fifeni and Tinashe Kakono on keyboards, Jervas Dzinotizeyi on vocals and percussion, and lead vocalist Star Gurajena. Sound engineering is helmed by Metusi Mpofu, while veterans like Owen Chirovamhangu (formerly of The Cannibals) and Owen Shamhu (formerly of Too Open Band) complete the line-up.
The band was a regular feature at the iconic Meikles Hotel (now Hyatt Regency) in Harare, performing there for over 15 years before the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted their rhythm. Despite a name change prompted by logistical issues, their commitment remains unchanged. According to spokesperson Munyaradzi Kombe, “We realised it was unnecessary to fight over the name. What is critical is that our jazz community knows about the calibre of jazz players in our camp.”
Today, the Sub Sahara Jazz Tribe is not only performing across Zimbabwe but also stepping into the recording studio with plans to release new music. Their single “Vatyairi Vanhasi,” a campaign against road carnage, highlights their dual mission: to entertain and to inspire.
What sets the Tribe apart is their focus on original compositions, a rarity among local jazz bands that often rely heavily on covers. “We have an album coming soon that will be good news for our fans,” Kombe affirmed. “This will become a thing of the past because we want to offer something fresh.”
Despite the challenges—ranging from limited sponsorship to a shrinking number of dedicated venues—Zimbabwe’s jazz community is resilient. Prominent figures like Graciano Kapfunde continue to support the genre behind the scenes, and new talents are emerging alongside established names like Tanga wekwa Sando, Agga Nyabinde, Jeys Marabini, Tariro Negitare, Prudence Mbofana, Victor Kunonga, and Josh Meck.
The arrival of the Sub Sahara Jazz Tribe signifies a turning point. With their collective experience, cohesive vision, and heartfelt dedication to the craft, they are not just reviving Zimbabwean jazz—they are reimagining its future. As they take their sound across the country, they are calling all jazz lovers to gather once again and celebrate a genre that still resonates deeply with the nation’s soul.
