Zimbabwean musicians have long played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural and artistic landscape of the nation.
With a rich tapestry of genres ranging from traditional mbira music to contemporary Afro-jazz, Zimbabwe’s musical heritage is both diverse and vibrant.
Renowned for their ability to blend traditional rhythms with modern sounds, Zimbabwean artists have gained international acclaim and brought attention to the country’s dynamic music scene.
Here is a comprehensive list of Zimbabwean musicians
- Oliver Mtukudzi (1952-2019) – Afrojazz
- Thomas Mapfumo (born 1945) – Chimurenga
- Alick Macheso (born 1968) – Sungura
- Chiwoniso Maraire (1976-2013) – Mbira
- Simon Chimbetu (1955-2005) – Sungura
- Leonard Zhakata (born 1968) – Sungura
- Jah Prayzah (born 1987) – Afropop, Afrojazz
- Dorothy Masuka (1935-2019) – Jazz
- Paul Matavire (1961-2005) – Jit
- Louis Mhlanga (born 1956) – Afrojazz
- Tongai Moyo (1968-2011) – Sungura
- August Msarurgwa (1920-1968) – Jit
- Sam Mtukudzi (1988-2010) – Afrojazz
- Hope Masike (born 1984) – Mbira
- Winky D (born 1983) – Zimdancehall
- Roki (born 1985) – Urban Grooves
- Soul Jah Love (1989-2021) – Zimdancehall
- Berita (born 1991) – Afrosoul, Afropop
- Takunda Mafika (1983-2011) – Mbira
- Safirio Madzikatire (1932-1996) – Sungura, Comedy
- Albert Nyathi (born 1962) – Poetry, Mbira
- Dumisani Maraire (1944-1999) – Mbira
- Mokoomba – Afrofusion
- Andy Brown (1962-2012) – Afrojazz
- Plaxedes Wenyika (born 1982) – Urban Grooves
- Leonard Dembo (1959-1996) – Sungura
- Peter Moyo (born 1989) – Sungura
- Charles Charamba (born 1971) – Gospel
- Mechanic Manyeruke (born 1942) – Gospel
- Olivia Charamba (born 1973) – Gospel
- Tocky Vibes (born 1993) – Zimdancehall
- Shingisai Suluma (born 1971) – Gospel
- Lovemore Majaivana (born 1954) – Ndebele
- Cosmas Magaya (1953-2020) – Mbira
- Victor Kunonga (born 1974) – Afrojazz
- Vusa Mkhaya (born 1974) – Afrojazz
- Black Umfolosi – Acappella
- The Four Brothers – Jit
- Devera Ngwena Jazz Band – Jit
- Virginia Mukwesha (born 1960) – Mbira
- Mahube – Afrojazz
- Diana Samkange (born 1981) – Afrojazz
- Gary Tight (born 1995) – Afrojazz
- Ammara Brown (born 1988) – Afropop
- Chengeto Brown (born 1995) – Afropop
- Nox Guni (born 1983) – Urban Grooves
- Trevor Dongo (born 1985) – Urban Grooves
- Prince Musarurwa (1988-2020) – Afrojazz
- Vusa Mkhaya (born 1974) – Afrojazz
- Edith WeUtonga (born 1983) – Afrojazz
- Munyaradzi Munodawafa (born 1987) – Gospel
- Michael Magz – Hip Hop
- Tkay Maidza (born 1996) – Hip Hop, Pop
- Zeke Manyika (born 1955) – Rock and Roll
- Leonard Mapfumo (born 1983) – Urban Grooves, Hip Hop
- Mashasha (born 1982) – Guitarist, Singer-songwriter
- Maskiri (born 1980) – Hip Hop
- Audius Mtawarira (born 1977) – Urban Grooves
- Anna Mudeka – Afrojazz
- Carol Mujokoro – Gospel
- Ephat Mujuru (1950-2001) – Mbira
- Mono Mukundu (born 1970) – Music Producer
- Isaac Musekiwa – Saxophonist
- Busi Ncube (born 1963) – Mbira
- Keith Farquharson – Mbira
- Don Gumbo – Mbira
- Gibson Nyoni – Mbira
- Don Gumbo – Mbira
- Ketai Muchawaya – Mbira
- Knowledge Kunenyati – Mbira
- Marko Sibanda – Mbira
- Virginia Silla – Mbira
- Green Jangano – Mbira
- Manu Nkomo – Mbira
- Gilbert Zvamaida – Mbira
- Davison Gunde – Mbira
- George Lunga – Mbira
- Stanley Phiri – Mbira
- Iden Banda – Mbira
- Fabian Chikamba – Mbira
- Jonah Mutuma – Mbira
- Gideon Neganje – Mbira
- Stella Chiweshe – Mbira
- Fortune Muparutsa – R&B
- Shuvai Wutawunashe – Gospel
- Jonathan Wutawunashe – Gospel
- Safirio Madzikatire – Sungura
- Obi Mhondera – Pop
- Eric Moyo – Afrojazz
- Charles Charamba – Gospel
- Safirio Madzikatire – Comedy
- Plaxedes Wenyika – Urban Grooves
- Takura – Hip Hop
- Garry Mapanzure – R&B
- Killer T – Zimdancehall
- Shinsoman – Zimdancehall
- Freeman – Zimdancehall
- Seh Calaz – Zimdancehall
- Enzo Ishall – Zimdancehall
- Tamy Moyo – Afropop
- Gemma Griffiths – Afropop
- Nutty O – Zimdancehall
- Jah Signal – Zimdancehall
- Poptain – Zimdancehall
- Uncle Epatan – Zimdancehall
- Killer T – Zimdancehall
- DJ Fantan – Zimdancehall
- Levels – Zimdancehall
- Ricky Fire – Zimdancehall
- Bazooker – Zimdancehall
- Van Choga – Zimdancehall
- King Shaddy – Zimdancehall
- Vimbai Zimuto – Afrojazz
- Mbeu – Afrojazz
- Sulumani Chimbetu – Dendera
- Tryson Chimbetu – Sungura
- Peter Moyo – Sungura
- Ammara Brown – Afropop
- Chengeto Brown – Afropop
- Mudiwa Hood – Gospel Hip Hop
- Janet Manyowa – Gospel
- Tatenda Mahachi – Gospel
- Tinashe Magacha – Gospel
- Minister Michael Mahendere – Gospel
- Mathias Mhere – Gospel
- Baba Harare – Jiti
- Killer T – Zimdancehall
- Queen Vee – Afropop
- Stunner – Hip Hop
- Ti Gonzi – Hip Hop
- Nox Guni – Urban Grooves
- ExQ – Urban Grooves
- Trevor Dongo – Urban Grooves
- Ngonie Kambarami – Urban Grooves
The legacy of Zimbabwean musicians is a testament to the power of music as a vehicle for cultural expression, social change, and artistic innovation.
From the timeless melodies of traditional mbira to the energetic beats of modern dancehall, Zimbabwe’s music scene is a rich mosaic that continues to evolve and inspire.
