Sabu Jiyana

Established in 2017 to preserve Pan-African sounds and educate audiences about the depth of African music, Sabu Jiyana’s Matimba Project moves fluidly from an intimate solo act to a full 12-piece ensemble.

Since their 2019 debut at the Voorkamer Festival, Matimba has graced stages including the Zabalaza Theatre Festival, Rocking the Daisies, Joy of Jazz, WOMAD South Africa, and made its international debut in eSwatini.

Founder Sabu Jiyana—a globe-trotting musician—has earned the Fine Music Radio African Music Award (2022), Best Musical Director at the Zabalaza Festival (2016), and is a 2025 South African Music Award nominee for Best Traditional Music Album.

For this year’s Voorkamer return, the project shines as a vibrant trio: Sinathi Mdingazwe (vocals & bows), Khangelani Twani (keys), and Sabu Jiyana on vocals, mbira, bows, and percussion a powerful celebration of African heritage with a global heartbeat