Members have included...Paul Matavire (lead singer), Godfrey Moyo (lead guitar), Fanyana Sithole (lead guitar), Moffat Dube (rhythm guitar), Stanley Nyoni (bass), William Dube (tenor sax), Japhet Ndlovu (alto sax), Zireni Hamura (keyboard), Peter Nyandoro (drums), Christopher Jena (drums).
The story of
the Jairos Jiri Band is another one of popularity at home and obscurity abroad. A top Zimbabwean act during the 1980s, Jairos Jiri (JJB as they are known to Zimbabweans) play a blend of jit and rhumba - a typical Zimbabwean guitar band by all accounts. Jairos Jiri toured Germany in 1988 and have produced hits such as Christmas Yatosvika, Chipuka Ndipe Mwenje, Dhindindi Full-Time.
According to Ronnie Graham, The Jairos Jiri Band are representatives of Jairos Jiri, the Disabled Musicians' Society. They are led by singer Paul Matavire, a social worker who was left blind by glaucoma as a child. While Paul's deep lyrics garnered him the nickname of 'Dr. Love', his songs are also known for their social commentary. The JJB grew in popularity during the late 80s, and even toured abroad. Their success was interrupted by Matavire's one year incarceration on rape charges. The band commemorated his 1991 release with the song Back from College, about his experiences in jail.
The band, comprising of various musicians under Matavire's leadership, have released 13 albums, the latest being 2003's Zimbe Remoto.
Matavire is also known for leading a simple life. Semi-retired, he balances music with tending goats and cattle in his home town of Mwenzi.
