Zimbabwe Celebrates Jazz Heritage Ahead of International Jazz Day

As the world gears up for International Jazz Day on April 30, Zimbabwe joins in the global celebration of this rich and diverse musical genre, paying tribute to its jazz legends and rising stars alike. Since its inception by UNESCO in 2011, International Jazz Day has become a global platform for recognising jazz’s role in uniting people and promoting cultural exchange. April has also been officially designated as Jazz Appreciation Month.

In Zimbabwe, jazz music has evolved into a distinctive art form—rooted in African rhythms and enriched through Western influence. From urban streets to academic institutions, the genre continues to thrive as a symbol of cultural identity and creative expression.

Jazz Roots and Trailblazers

Zimbabwean jazz owes much of its early development to legendary figures such as August Musarurwa, whose timeless composition “Skokiaan” was reinterpreted by international icons like Louis Armstrong and Hugh Masekela. Other pioneers include Dorothy Masuka, Oliver Mtukudzi, Prince Kudakwashe Musarurwa, Tanga Wekwa Sando, Victor Kunonga, Edith Weutonga, and Louis Mhlanga.

Bands such as The Cool Crooners, Jazz Impacto, Jabavu Drive, and Summer Breeze also helped shape the local jazz scene, offering a variety of jazz sub-genres that reflect Zimbabwe’s diverse cultural landscape.

Jazz in Schools and Universities

Zimbabwe’s commitment to nurturing jazz talent is evident in its educational institutions. The Zimbabwe College of Music, affiliated with Africa University, offers a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz. Music Crossroads Academy provides professional music training through certificates and diplomas.

Other universities—Midlands State University, Great Zimbabwe University, and Africa University—continue to incorporate jazz into their music curricula. At the high school level, institutions such as Prince Edward School, St George’s College, Watershed College, and Peterhouse compete annually in the Eisteddfod Jazz Music Competitions. Prince Edward School was recently named Best School for Promoting Arts and Culture at the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama).

Recent Jazz Highlights

On April 11, a special night at Alliance Francaise in Harare featured renowned South African guitarist Jimmy Dludlu alongside Zimbabwe’s Josh Meck and Trust Samende. The trio delivered a memorable jazz performance that followed the successful French Film Festival.

Meanwhile, Irish concertina maestro Jason O’Rourke recently collaborated with Music Crossroads Academy students in a unique fusion of Irish and Zimbabwean musical traditions. His performance included tracks like Air, Shandira Pamwe, and Dande, which captivated audiences at Prince Edward School.

Filbert Marova, one of Zimbabwe’s foremost jazz pianists and the director of the Zimbabwe Jazz Community, has returned to the scene with his latest album Mbiriano. Known for innovative projects such as Kariba Bream and Zim Jazz Chapter One, Marova continues to inspire a new generation of jazz musicians.

Female Jazz Powerhouses

Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, director of Music Crossroads Zimbabwe, remains a formidable force in Zimbabwean jazz. Her recent private performance in Chisipite, Harare, featured both classic hits and new material. She’s also preparing for a Kenyan tour where she will showcase her latest compositions, including “Baba vaBoy,” “Anenge,” and “Dzidza.”

Fusion and Innovation

Afro-fusion band Fusion 5 Mangwiro is making waves with its upcoming album Marunje, set to launch later this year. The trio—Brian Maguta, Aaron Manyati, and Gilbert Gwatidzo—infuses Shona, English, and Mandarin lyrics with traditional and contemporary African sounds. Their recent five-hour performance at Gava’s Restaurant showcased their versatility and crowd appeal.

Living Legends and Recognition

Aggabu Nyabinde continues to mesmerise fans with his mix of original tracks and tributes to jazz greats like Bob Nyabinde and Oliver Mtukudzi. Another key figure, Phillip Svosve, a member of Jabavu Drive, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 23rd edition of Nama, recognising his unwavering dedication to jazz.

Looking Ahead to International Jazz Day

As April culminates with International Jazz Day, the spotlight will shift to Abu Dhabi, where an all-star concert featuring Herbie Hancock, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and John McLaughlin will take place. Back home, Zimbabwe’s vibrant jazz community is poised to use the global occasion to reignite local interest in the genre and honour its rich legacy.

From classroom chalkboards to global stages, Zimbabwean jazz continues to be a dynamic force of cultural pride, creativity, and unity—echoing the universal message of jazz as a tool for peace and understanding.