Nuta Jazz Band

One of Tanzania's oldest bands, Nuta Jazz Band has gone through several name changes since its inception in 1964. Initially sponsored and supervised by the National Workers Union, the group became the Juwata Jazz Band in 1977 and the Ottu Jazz Band after sponsorship was transferred to the Organization of Tanzanian Trade Unions in the mid-'90s. The band has undergone numerous personnel changes, but trumpet player and vocalist Joseph Lusungu and saxophonist Mnenge Ramadhani still remain the foundation of the band's sound. The group survived a major exodus when Muhiddin Maalim, Abel Balthazar, and Hassani Bitchuka left to form Dar International and the Mlimani Park Orchestra in 1977. Returning to the band, along with Bitchuka, in 1991, Maalim resumed his role as bandleader. ~ Craig Harris