Shortly after releasing his highly anticipated album Dzindza, renowned New Zealand-based saxophonist Thabani Gapara and his band are back on the road for the Dzindza Tour. After kicking off at Wellington Jazz Festival 2024, the tour continues at The Meteor Theatre on 23 November 2024, followed by performances at Totara Street and The Tuning Fork.
23 November – The Meteor, Hamilton
28 November – Totara Street, Mount Maunganui
30 November – The Tuning Fork, Auckland
Dzindza, meaning "Ancestry" in Shona, is a tribute to Gapara’s African roots, blending traditional sounds with the bold energy of contemporary jazz. With this album and tour, Gapara invites us to connect with both his cultural heritage and musical vision. Known for his flamboyant live performances, you can expect an unforgettable night of rhythm, storytelling, and rich musical textures.
Earlier this year, Gapara’s shows have drawn attention, with his last appearance at Auckland’s Tuning Fork celebrated for its electrifying atmosphere, bringing together listeners from diverse backgrounds to experience his sound. In addition to recent performances at the Nelson Arts Festival, Wellington Jazz Festival, and SYNTHONY, Gapara has been a staple in New Zealand's music scene for over a decade.
“When Gapara moved to New Zealand, he barely knew anything about the local music scene. Now, he’s one of Aotearoa’s 'go-to' saxophonists, not just in jazz, but also in soul, reggae, and even kapa haka.” — RNZ Concert
Having worked with some of the country’s favourite acts, including Stan Walker, Corrella, Vince Harder, The Modern Māori Quartet, House of Shem, Three Houses Down, and Katchafire. He has also contributed to major projects like Five Minutes of Fame on Whakaata Māori, Symphony, and the Rugby World Cup Sevens theme music. Gapara’s musicianship and presence on stage know no bounds.
His recent interviews with NZ Musician, RNZ Concert, The Hits Breakfast with Jono and Ben, and The 95bFM Jazz Show has given listeners a closer look at his journey and upcoming projects.
