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Tafadzwa Zimoyo-Lifestyle Editor
Well, there is no doubt that if he were alive today, 19th-century Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax would be extremely surprised — and pleased, too, no doubt — at how the saxophone, which he invented and then patented back in 1846, has become universally popular.
The instrument was crucial in defining the sound of a 20th-century-born musical style called jazz.
The saxophone’s status as one of the genre’s most important instruments is undisputed.
Even the most cursory glance at some of the famous internationally acclaimed musicians hailed as the best jazz saxophonists of all time reveals this fact.
Yet, when he died in poverty in 1894, Sax, who invented several other wind instruments besides the saxophone — all of which bore his name — would have seen that the saxophone had been adopted mostly by military marching bands, though his hope that it would feature prominently in classical music orchestras was not to be fully realised.
In Zimbabwe, if you take a look at some of the prominent functions from State events, corporate events to weddings and funerals, you are likely to come across a tall, slim young man dominating with his saxophone.
Clad in his trademark black Panama or Fedora hat, which sometimes comes in white depending on the occasion, Joseph Chinouriri, affectionately known as Jose Sax, is now a force to reckon with when it comes to playing the instrument.
Jose Sax likes to first explain about his outstanding hats.
“I just loved hats from the beginning and it ended up being a signaturem,” he says. “I think I’ve been wearing a hat almost every day for almost 10 years now. Naphtali (a bass player) and Clive Mono Mukundu (guitarists) say that’s where the melodies come from and that’s hilarious.”
Jose Sax’s horn blowing stunts and Midas Touch have managed to make him sustain his livelihood.
A great example of a local artiste for whom music pays and a lesson for others to take music seriously.
All his life, Jose Sax has been surrounded by music in one way or another.
His late father Tamuka used to have his own band where he sang with his wife Elizabeth, and they have a number of albums, including one carrying their hit song Jabesi.
He learnt the musical ropes in a school band before joining his church’s band and then forming his own band with friends.
It may seem like a serendipity, but Jose Sax’s musical road was paved with hard work and an unwavering commitment to fulfill his passion.
The Herald on Saturday Lifestyle caught up with Jose the Sax during his recent show dubbed Legends Night Musical, at 7 Arts Theatre.
Jose Sax has since grown from being a young lad to a man of integrity, a family actually following his recent wedding.
Beaming his trademark smile, he was welcoming after finding time for the interview backstage during a music interlude.
Jose Sax said to break into the music sector one has to be consistent.
“To begin with on role models, I have quite a few. I will start with my late dad who taught me my first instrument,” he said.
“Secondly, Hiram Koopman inspired me to play, then there is Gian Carlo who taught me everything. I also adore Kenny G whom I wish to meet, and lastly, the late Dr Oliver Mtukudzi who took his time to mentor me.”
Jose Sax and the late legend Dr Oliver Mtukudzi.
Just like the words from Koopman, “To break into the industry, one should be open to all kinds of music,” says Jose Sax. “And with that, discipline is a major factor in respecting the type of music you’re playing, whether it’s jazz, punk or rock.”
Jose Sax believes in other skills like punctuality and committing to keep practicing.
But he said at the end of the day, it is also about the love and passion.
Different from other boys of his age while growing up, he was stuck on his instrument rather than playing with toy guns and playing in the field.
“The most important thing is enjoying and loving what you’re doing. Growing up, I could not live without my saxophone. That was my toy. This is my key to success,” he said.
But how did this all start?
“My father passed on in 2004 and my mother had to take up the role of two parents to raise three boys until 2011. I am the last born,” he said. “I learned at Blakiston Primary and Prince Edward High School.
“In 2010, at the New Life Covenant Church, they had invited Hiram Koopman (saxophonist) to minister at a conference where I saw him and got my inspiration. After two to three years of being self-taught, I was privileged to travel to Italy with a band called ‘Zimboita’ where I met my teacher called Gian Carlo who took much of his time to teach me most of the things I know today for free. I’m grateful to him.”
Given a chance, Jose Sax said he would like to play with Kenny G.
“If I were not a musician, I would only be a creative music businessman which I believe I am,” he said.
Many even ask if he is not affected health-wise by blowing the saxophone for long periods during his performances.
“Because I blow a lot, it does come with precautions. I make sure that I eat and drink lots of water. I use my body, mind and soul at the same time. It’s part of my work. So I have to make sure that I’m in the right state in all three every time I play,” he said.
By the way, he was the small boy who played at the famous wedding of Bona and Simba Chikore.
“That was the biggest wedding I have ever done. Long story short, I was approached to be part of the band and I ended up walking the aisle playing as they walked in,” he said.
“It was all God’s grace from day one of the preparations. I was honoured.”
So how many weddings has he done to date?
“We have done weddings mostly around Africa from South Africa, Ghana, Malawi, and Zambia among others. We have also done funerals. I can safely say that between 450 to 480 that is the number of weddings I have played at,” said Jose Sax.
He said music is his full-time job.
“I am full-time into the music business and all you can think of in that sector. Besides the brass instruments, I play drums, mbira, piano, and a bit of marimba,” he said. “I started playing for artistes in 2012 up to date.
“The list includes the late Dr Oliver Mtukudzi, Zimpraise, Minister Michael Mahendere, Ferdinando Arno (Italy), Jah Prayzah, Sulu Chimbetu and has also shared the stage with Benjamin Dube, and the late Hugh Masekela.”
Currently, the lanky star plays with the ‘Intotal Band’.
“The Legends Night is a brainchild of Naphtali Chivandikwa, Takakunda Mukundu, and myself. It came out of one discussion by our swimming pool and here we are on our second edition of that concept,” he said.
“We started on what’s called the Simple Impact concert in 2018 and the second edition in 2019 which was basically a show about the music I composed.
“I then shared an idea with Naphtali of doing a show in honour of the late Oliver Mtukudzi called the ‘Jose Sax Tuku’ show soon after Covid-19. Then instead of honouring one legend we decided to honour all legends through the Legends Night.”
Asked about any challenges in his field, he said local musicians should have focus.
“I’ll say being a musician in Zimbabwe needs a strong and dedicated person,” he said. “It’s not easy to break through and it’s not easy to survive from music as the only source. It takes a good strategy and a focused mind to be able to survive it.
“I’m glad that I was taught to do it and I take good care of my family by it. But I would definitely encourage people to go for it because it’s a beautiful journey.”
Jose Sax said he was working on a tour in Europe.
“We are currently working on doing a United Kingdom — Legends Night tour to showcase what Zimbabwean music is all about,” he said.
Now married to fellow musician Mai Patai’s daughter, Jose Sax said he did not know she came from a musical family when he met his wife.
“I was invited to minister, play in Gweru by JPC famously known for the song (Ngoro Yeminana). After the event in 2019, I made a friend who became my wife in 2022. I only knew she was daughter of the famous Mai Patai after asking her out in 2020,” he said.
“It’s the best decision I ever made. I plan to grow bigger and better and I am excited about the future and what it holds for my team in the music industry globally.
“I am a husband to my lovely wife, we are strongly into charity projects. We are part of a Trust Fund called ‘The Oil of Joy’ which takes care of orphans and widows in Zimbabwe.
”It’s one of my heart’s desires to make sure that they are taken care of.”
Online Reporter