The Thabani Gapara Project live at The Tuning Fork 31 May 2025.
The acclaimed saxophonist Thabani Gapara leads us on a musical journey through the rich and vibrant sounds of Southern Africa in this concert at the Tuning Fork in Auckland, This special performance weaves together original compositions and beloved classics from the region, offering a deep and soulful exploration of heritage, rhythm, and storytelling.
Saxophonist Thabani Gapara Photo: Flora_Driessen
Rooted in the traditions of Afro-jazz, township grooves, and contemporary African fusion, Thabani and his dynamic ensemble bring to life melodies that echo across generations—celebrating the music that has shaped Southern Africa’s past and present. Expect infectious dance grooves, soaring improvisations, and heartfelt tributes to the rhythms and harmonies of Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique, and beyond.
Zimbabwean born and raised, Thabani Gapara is an Auckland based saxophonist who has been performing around the world in various musical projects for many years..
Saxophonist Thabani Gapara on stage at the Tuning Fork. Photo: Tafry Zein Ambadar
A graduate of the New Zealand School of Music (B Mus Jazz), Thabani's passion for collaboration has seen him work with a plethora of South African and New Zealand artists including: Batucada Sound Machine, Warren Duncan, Hipstamatics, Jujulipps, Bella Kalolo, Rob Ruha, Lou’ana, Vince Harder, Stan Walker, the Modern Maori Quartet, House of Shem, Ch! Nonso, Three Houses Down and Katchafire to mention but a few.
In this concert Gapara plays music by some of the great African musicians who inspired him, as well as some of his own compositions.
The musicians are:
Thabani Gapara - Saxophone
Elijah Whyte - Drums
Eli Wilson - Key
Wil Goodinson - Bass
Nathan James - Guitar
Dean Rodrigues - Percussionist
Recording Engineers: Steve Dobbs, Adrian Hollay
Mix Engineer and Producer: Adrian Hollay
