Thabani Gapara

Zimbabwean born and raised, Thabani Gapara is an Auckland based saxophonist who has been performing around the world in various musical projects for the last 16 years. A graduate of the New Zealand School of Music (B Mus Jazz), Thabani has had the pleasure of playing as a member in several musical projects in Zimbabwe, South Africa and New Zealand.

His 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 Māori Quartet, House of Shem, Ch! Nonso, Three Houses Down and Katchafire to mention but a few.

2019 saw the release of Thabani’s first album ‘In Their Footsteps,’ with his band The Thabani Gapara Project. A Celebration of the many varied musical influences that have shaped Gapara’s creative voice, each song given a unique take that breathes a fresh energy to these classic songs.

In his 2020 release ‘The Griots Path,’ Thabani presents original music celebrating a variety of his influences from the African diaspora incorporating styles such as Zouk, Afro Latin music, funk, and many of the sounds of Southern Africa. 2023 saw Thabani Gapara's New Zealand tour, titled "The Mwana Wevhu Tour."