Zimbabwean jazz

Zimbabwean Jazz, also known as Afro Jazz, was developed in the 20th century. Its history can be traced from its early colonial era.

It was influenced by a style of township rhythm that evolved in a southern part of Africa over the 20th century. One can also trace similarities from Kwela, a pennywhistle-based, street music from the southern part of Africa with jazzy underpinnings and a distinctive, skiffle-like beat. Kwela music was influenced by blending the music of Malawian immigrants to South Africa, together with the local South African sounds. In Chichewa, the word Kwela has a very similar meaning to the South African meaning: "to climb". The music was popularised in South Africa and then brought to Malawi, where contemporary Malawian artists have also begun producing Kwela music.