Paul Matavire and the Jairos Jiri Band
Group Biography -- Group Discography -- Compilation Appearances

Biography

Members have included...Paul Matavire (lead singer), Godfrey Moyo (lead guitar), Fanyana Sithole (lead guitar), Moffat Dube (rhythm guitar), Stanley Nyoni (bass), William Dube (tenor sax), Japhet Ndlovu (alto sax), Zireni Hamura (keyboard), Peter Nyandoro (drums), Christopher Jena (drums).

The story of the Jairos Jiri Band is another one of popularity at home and obscurity abroad. A top Zimbabwean act during the 1980s, Jairos Jiri (JJB as they are known to Zimbabweans) play a blend of jit and rhumba - a typical Zimbabwean guitar band by all accounts. Jairos Jiri toured Germany in 1988 and have produced hits such as Christmas Yatosvika, Chipuka Ndipe Mwenje, Dhindindi Full-Time.

According to Ronnie Graham, The Jairos Jiri Band are representatives of Jairos Jiri, the Disabled Musicians' Society. They are led by singer Paul Matavire, a social worker who was left blind by glaucoma as a child. While Paul's deep lyrics garnered him the nickname of 'Dr. Love', his songs are also known for their social commentary. The JJB grew in popularity during the late 80s, and even toured abroad. Their success was interrupted by Matavire's one year incarceration on rape charges. The band commemorated his 1991 release with the song Back from College, about his experiences in jail.

The band, comprising of various musicians under Matavire's leadership, have released 13 albums, the latest being 2003's Zimbe Remoto.

Matavire is also known for leading a simple life. Semi-retired, he balances music with tending goats and cattle in his home town of Mwenzi.

Sources: Zindi, MusicYeZimbabwe and Graham, The World of African Music, and visitor submissions.

Discography (limited) Zimbe Remoto Corner 2003 Hot Hits 2 Gramma   Hot Hits Gramma   Muto Wezondo Imiwoye Gramma - KSALP137 1991 Sounds of the JJB Gramma - KSALP107 1985 Ethno Rock Gramma   Dhiabhorosi Nyoka Gramma   Tanga Wandida Gramma   Akanaka Akarara     Govanai     JJB Style Gramma - KSALP112 1986

Compilation Appearances Zimbabwe Hits One Take Cover Pamberi Nava Jiri Zimbabwe Hits Three Chiedza Ndicheni Taurayi Zvenyu

Ethno Rock

Released:
Label: Gramma
Format: LP
Running Time: 8 tracks.
Stocked by:

To my surprise (and, less so, to my disappointment,) Ethno Rock ended up being a live recording of a German concert with a very South African-sounding Jairos Jiri Band. Check back soon for a full review.

The Sounds of the Jairos Jiri Band

Released: 1985
Label: Gramma - KSALP107
Format: LP
Running Time: 7 tracks.
Stocked by:

Muto Wezondo Imiwoye

Released: 1991
Label: Gramma
Format: LP
Running Time: 6 tracks.
Stocked by:

Hot Hits

Released:
Label: Gramma
Format: Cassette
Running Time: 8 tracks.
Stocked by: Dandemutande

Hot Hits contains eight of Jairos Jiri's top songs with frontman Paul Matavire. With a rather unpolished, scattered sound and a below average quality recording, I'm not a huge fan.

Hot Hits Two

Released:
Label: Gramma
Format: Cassette
Running Time: 7 tracks.
Stocked by:

Hot Hits contains another seven of Jairos Jiri's top songs with frontman Paul Matavire.

Zimbe Remoto

Released: 2003
Label: Corner
Format: Cassette
Running Time:
Stocked by:

Matavire latest album contains tracks such as Thabath' Isiphanbano and Khotsi Yanga, mixing contemporary love, religion, and social commentary.