After 17 YEARS of recording, performing and touring the world, Matimba Frontman Sabu Jiyana has made it his personal mission to take his audience on a journey through the African continent through a sound he has coined “The Pan-African Sound”
Jiyana describes it simply as “ The true display of what African Leadership should look like in the 21st century”
Sabu started the ensemble in 2017 just after completing his Postgraduate Studies at the prestigious University of Cape Town. It had become painfully clear through his studies that traditional African elements and sounds were mostly pushed to the background whilst favouring foreign ideas, concepts and instrumentation took centre stage. He wanted to encourage pride in our own, and so using the analogy that when one is in Rome, they do as the Romans do... When one is in Africa, surely it shouldn’t be about chasing foreigners from our shores, but rather about educating them on our ways and our colourful cultures that result in a melting pot of colourful musicality….After all, isn’t that what Pan-Africanism is all about? Matimba has an eclectic sound, influenced by old African Practices, modern African practices, old folk songs, and church songs and also coloured with the culture of a very different 21ST Century Africa and the current affairs and tribulations faced these days in the beloved continent and indeed the world at large. Matimba uses instruments such as the mbira (Zimbabwe) , Nyungue nyungue (Mozambique), Akadinda (Uganda) ,uHadi (South Africa) , and the talking drum (West Africa) , Just to name a few. All this is accompanied by bass guitar, piano and the western drum kit.
Their brand of musicality accommodates both young and old, with each performance serving as a refresher course of sorts on these long forgotten instruments and their uses and origins. The band performs as a duet all the way to a 12 Piece ensemble. Matimba also offers workshops for corporate and masterclasses can also be booked via their booking email below.
Starting out, the idea of living the road band life was the last thing on our minds. After we did all the local gigs, we realized the only way for us to evolve as a band was to hit the road. Over the next five years, we logged thousands of gigs — with the occasional festival appearance — in cities across the country. Our time on the road proved crucial in shaping our sound.
We’re packing up the gear for an extended U.S. tour in support of our new album. Our set list will prominently feature the new stuff but also dive into favorites from our previous releases. Check out our tour page for when we’ll be playing near you.
"An unforgettable night of rhythm and soul as Sabu Jiyana and Matimba took the stage at the Just 42 Jabavu Album Launch! 🎶🎉 Their mesmerizing performances had the crowd swaying to the beats, while their harmonies spoke of unity and strength. Bolling Conflicts melted away as the music united hearts and souls. #Just42JabavuAlbumLaunch #SabuJiyana #Matimba #MusicHeals"
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