History of Swahili Jazz
Origins, milestones and the legends who shaped the sound.
Jazz born by the sea
Where Swahili poetry meets the saxophone
Celebrating the music, traditions and stories of the Kenyan coast - rooted in Mombasa, reaching the world.
Kenya's jazz anthem - listen now
"Sukari"
Juma Tutu, Alliance Francaise Spotlight on Kenyan Music, 2005.
Six ways in
A living archive of coastal sound
Four pillars guide the work: Our Roots, Our Music, Our Community and Our Vision.
East African music
Taarab, ngoma, Bango and the Indian Ocean fusion.
Educational articles
Essays, theory guides and a Swahili music glossary.
Cultural projects
Active and archival projects preserving East African heritage.
Workshops
Saxophone, composition and youth sessions.
Community outreach
School programmes, free concerts and volunteer sign-up.
Latest articles
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Read the music closely
Traditional Swahili and Mijikenda musical traditions
How coastal rhythm, poetry and communal performance carry cultural memory.
How "Sukari" became a Kenyan jazz anthem
The 2005 Spotlight on Kenyan Music release that brought Juma Tutu national attention.
What is Bango music and why does it matter?
Mombasa wedding sound, Mzee Ngala's legacy and the roots of Swahili Jazz.
Career timeline
From Mombasa stages to national recognition
1998Joins Generations Band, Mombasa.
2003Founds the Tutu Band.
2005"Sukari" becomes a national anthem.
2013Swahili Jazz Band formed.
2018"Makande" duet with Jimmy Dludlu.
2020Named National Cultural Hero of Kenya.