Jason Tamba

Biography

Born in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Jason has been playing guitar since age seven, when he made his own instrument out of wood and four strings. Teaching himself guitar for a decade, he began to study classical guitar at age 20, finally earning a degree in classical guitar. After playing at churches, local venues and in Papa Wemba’s traditional group Percussion Molokai, Jason decided to travel to South Africa and expose himself to more opportunities. It was there that he became a guitarist for the group Afro Fiesta. The group’s first self-titled album, released in 2005, is full of songs that are a fusion of various styles including Afro-jazz, Kwasa-Kwasa, Makosa, and hints of Latin music. Widely considered innovators in the entertainment industry, Afro Fiesta has performed at numerous music festivals including Jazz on the Rocks, Joy of Jazz, OBZ Festival, Light Festival and Africa Day Celebrations.

How we met:

We met Jason on our second trip to Cape Town, while doing research for our first Playing for Change music school that was to be built in the Township of Guguletu. Jason had become a part of Afro Fiesta after fleeing his home country, Congo and since the band was now a part of the Playing for Change family, Jason was a perfect fit. The next day we added his beautiful voice to one of our global tracks, “War/No More Trouble.”