Simba Saini: Zimbabwe’s Drumming Dynamo Takes Cape Town by Rhythm

From Kwekwe to Cape Town, Zimbabwean drummer and vocalist Simba Saini has recorded over 124 albums, blending sungura, jazz, and Afro-fusion to keep Zimbabwe’s music alive across borders (image source)

From Kwekwe to Cape Town, Zimbabwe-born drummer, vocalist, and band leader Simba Saini has crafted a remarkable musical journey that spans continents, genres, and hundreds of albums. Known affectionately as “Samanyanga,” Saini blends traditional Shona sensibilities with groove-driven jazz rhythms and an unrelenting creative spirit — building a catalogue few can match. Now based in Cape Town, he says he has contributed to more than 124 albums as a drummer and vocalist.

“I have recorded 124 albums with different artistes in my music career as a drummer, including two of my own albums — Huruyadzo and Misodzi yaAmai,” he told The Herald.

Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Saini honed his craft in the country’s vibrant live-music circuit, performing with legendary bands such as The Four Brothers, Jabavu Drive, Summer Breeze, and Vijana Sounds. His early exposure to sungura, jazz, gospel, and pop formed the foundation of his versatile style.

“It was like I was at a university where I graduated to be my own artist,” he reflected.

In 2005, Saini migrated to South Africa, settling in Cape Town with little more than determination.

“I had no instrument when I left Kwekwe. All I had was hope and determination,” he told NewsDay.

He later formed Afristorm, a cross-cultural band of Zimbabwean and South African musicians, performing as both drummer and lead vocalist.

Despite early challenges finding band members — especially guitarists — Saini pushed forward, releasing Huruyadzo and Misodzi yaAmai, alongside dozens of collaborative recordings. Songs like Amai and Kuchemera Rudo became audience favourites, celebrated for their emotional depth and universal appeal. Collaborations with producers Keith Ferguson and Marcus Housel helped him reach full-house audiences and grow a loyal diaspora following across Southern Africa.

“My market target was not just Zimbabweans. I played venues where we rarely find them, but every time we held shows, we recorded full houses.”

Saini describes his music as genre-fluid, moving seamlessly between sungura, jazz, and Afro-fusion. His artistry reflects both his Zimbabwean roots and his South African evolution.

“Every song that I play is totally different from the other,” he said.

With over 124 albums to his credit, Saini stands as one of Zimbabwe’s most prolific drummers — a rare blend of background musician, band leader, and cross-border cultural ambassador. His upcoming third album, Rwendo – The Journey (2025), is expected to broaden his global footprint even further.

Beyond performance, Saini is committed to representing Zimbabwean creativity abroad.

“I have managed to keep Zimbabwean music alive across the borders. I’m entertaining full houses in Cape Town, making sure our people here don’t miss home as far as music is concerned.”

Despite his South African base, he continues to perform in both countries, maintaining strong ties with Zimbabwe’s creative ecosystem.

“Music has changed my life for the better. It has placed me on a good level since music is often associated with poverty,” he reflected.

For Saini, music is both an artistic mission and a cultural duty — to ensure Zimbabwe’s rhythms and stories travel beyond borders.

“The future is bright for Zim. I’m also expecting collaborations with a South African artiste,” he said.

Simba Saini’s story is one of resilience, versatility, and vision — proving that a drummer from Kwekwe can command Cape Town’s stages while keeping Zimbabwe’s heartbeat alive in every note.

Reporter Contact: imbuwamubiana@gmail.com