About
15
Years on the sax
— The guy in the hat
A soulful voice with a golden alto as its weapon of choice.
Joseph Tinotenda Chinouriri — known to many as Jose Sax — is a Zimbabwean saxophonist famous for a unique cross-cultural style that moves effortlessly from gospel to jazz and beyond. Born into a musical family, he began as a drummer before the saxophone claimed him in 2011.
A strict three-hour daily drill under his Italian mentor, Mr. Gian Carlo, marked the birth of a professional. Since then he has played and recorded for over a hundred artists locally and internationally, toured with the late Dr. Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, and shared stages with the late Hugh Masekela and Benjamin Dube.
Today, Dr. Jose Sax is an award-winning saxophonist and entrepreneur, capped with an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy in Philanthropy & Social Impact. Beyond the sax, he plays piano, mbira, marimba, clarinet and drums.
100+
Artists recorded
90+
Singles tracked
2
Live DVDs
6
Instruments
— The Journey
From drummer to doctor.
-
2010
First international tour
Toured England with the Prince Edward School Jazz Band — then still a drummer.
-
2011
The saxophone arrives
Inspired by South African saxophonist Hiram Koopman at the Jabula NLCC Conference, and began his professional career alongside Naphtali “Gurity” Chivandikwa.
-
2012
Student turned tutor
Joined the Zimbabwe College of Music — and was soon tutoring there. Joined Mabhanan’ana and Zimbo-Ita. The hat became his trademark.
-
2013
Italy & a mentor
Second European tour, where mentor Mr. Gian Carlo put him through a strict three-hour daily drill. Performed at UNWTO.
-
2014
Intotal Band
Joined the Intotal Band and released the Intotal album. Performed at the First Family wedding and the Victoria Falls Carnival.
-
2015 – 16
Festival stages
HIFA, Harare Jazz Festival and Zimpraise. Music teacher at St George’s, Peterhouse & Arundel School.
-
2017 – 18
On tour with Tuku
Shows and tours with Dr. Oliver Mtukudzi, including Cape Town. Featured on CNN Inside Africa.
-
2019 – 20
Simple Impact
Zimpraise UK tour. Released Simple Impact Album Vol. 1 and created the Tuku Show.
-
2022 – 23
Recognition
Legends Night and the Simple Impact Italian Tour. Honoured with the Italian Tenco Award and a Gold Award at Zim Weddings.
-
Today
Dr. Jose Sax
Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy in Philanthropy & Social Impact — celebrating 15 years of saxophone.
Collaborations & Shared Stages
- Oliver Mtukudzi
- Hugh Masekela
- Benjamin Dube
- Zimpraise
- Cha Wa
- Alfio Antico
- Michael Mahendere
- Sulumani Chimbetu
- Jah Prayzah
- Ferdinando Arnò
- Gabriel Jarret
- Hope Masike
- Dudu Manhenga
- Naphtali Chivandikwa
Played for the late Oliver Mtukudzi. Shared the stage with the late Hugh Masekela. Still stretching the boundaries.
Featured on CNN Inside Africa
