In an era where music charts are dominated by electronic beats and auto-tuned vocals, one young man is boldly swimming against the tide — armed not with software, but with a saxophone and an unwavering love for jazz.
At just 25, Tafadzwanashe Tsepokang Muzhari is steadily carving a niche in Zimbabwe’s entertainment landscape, breathing fresh life into live jazz performances many feared were fading into history.
A Bulawayo native and music educator at Kyle College in Masvingo, Muzhari is redefining what it means to be a modern jazz musician in Zimbabwe.
When he performs, it is never just about sound. His music tells stories of emotion, struggle, freedom and soul. Each note bends and breathes, reminding audiences of the enduring power of live instrumentation in a digital age.
“I’ve always admired the richness of the saxophone. I wanted an instrument that speaks deeply — something rare — and the sax does exactly that,” Muzhari told NewsDay Life & Style.
He said jazz offered him creative freedom unmatched by any other genre, allowing him to explore musical boundaries while remaining meaningful to the listener.
“In jazz, I can play dissonance, shell voicings, alterations, even discord and it still feels right,” he said. “That freedom is what keeps me inspired.”
Music has always been woven into Muzhari’s life. Growing up in a family of four brothers — all musicians — creativity was not merely encouraged; it was lived. That foundation shaped him into both a performer and an educator, roles he now balances with purpose and pride.
- Muzhari breathes life into Zimbabwean jazz
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The artiste paid tribute to his family for its unwavering support and extended heartfelt appreciation to Kyle College, where he nurtures young talent and introduces learners to the depth and discipline of music.
“They have supported every musical idea I’ve wanted to implement,” he said. “That support allows me to grow while helping others to discover their musical voices.”
Beyond the stage and classroom, Muzhari sees himself as part of a larger mission to keep jazz alive for future generations. His advice to aspiring musicians is refreshingly honest.
“It’s not about how you start, what matters is the joy you feel when you finally begin to play.”
With every performance, Muzhari proves that jazz is far from being obsolete — that it is not fading, but evolving — and that Zimbabwe’s entertainment scene still has room for music that is raw, soulful and deeply human.
