biography

Read Sam's professional/press biography HERE.

I am a musician, singer, songwriter, guitarist, and vimbuza drummer from Malawi, Southern Africa. I was born in 1984 into a family of 6 then, now 5, and grew up in remote northern Malawi, in a village called Chanunkha Shaba, in Mzimba District TA M’mbwerwa. At the age of 5, my mother bought me a Vimbuza drum, which I grew up playing and getting familiar with our local musical traditions. I have spent so much time playing our music, that it has become an integral part of my life. 

As a young boy living in a rural area, I did not have an opportunity to play music using modern instruments, but I played my drums, sang in the church choir, and loved listening to the sounds and traditions from all of the different parts of Africa. When we moved to a larger town, I was introduced to all different types of music from all over the world and started fusing my local traditional inspirations with all the new music I was hearing. I joined My Brothers Keeper School of Music and Movement, where I was introduced to music theory and piano lessons. Surrounded by fellow young people playing music, I decided to take on the challenge of becoming a professional musician. 

I enrolled with the African Bible College to further pursue my learning of music theory, guitar, and voice. After finishing school, I began studying jazz from across the world, but especially jazz from Africa. This eventually led to my first recording project, “The African Way.” I continue to be inspired by players like Richard Bona, Jonathan Butler, Fela Kuti, Hugh Masakela, Wambali Mkandawire, Étienne M'Bappé, and many others who have managed to take African sounds across the world and who continue to make a difference. 

I am currently a jazz guitar major at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, and would love to come play for you sometime soon! Contact me at SamShabaBookings@gmail.com!

adapted from: www.malawi-music.com/S/1056-sam-shaba

Please read Sam's professional/press biography HERE.