Soul Jive

Soul Jive is an Afro jazz and Afro fusion band hailing from Lilongwe, Malawi, with a mission to uplift young musicians and other talented individuals. The band's origin story dates back to the formation of a group of passionate young musicians at Music Crossroads Malawi, who shared a love for live jam sessions and arranging songs in ensembles. This collective passion eventually led to the creation of Soul Jive, with the goal of serving as an example for nurturing the potential of young talents, under the leadership of Kimm. The band officially began in August2023, initially focusing on covers for exposure, until April2024 when they recorded their first original song, "Nane," and arranged two additional original pieces.

Soul Jive's musical style is deeply rooted in local Malawian rhythms, particularly drawing inspiration from the Sena cultural music, which is then fused with contemporary genres such as afrobeat and jazz. Influenced by the likes of Jonathan Butler, Lawi, and Masego, the band believes in the universality of the musicianship dream while emphasizing the importance of diverse performance disciplines. Notably, Soul Jive prides itself on its disciplined approach to live performances, aiming to promote Malawi's cultural heritage by infusing Sena cultural music into their songs and providing a platform for showcasing diverse talents to audiences.

Among the talented members of Soul Jive is James Chavula, a drummer and arranger, who is not only a student at Music Crossroads Malawi but also influences numerous young musicians within his circle, including those within Soul Jive. Through their dedication to uplifting young talents and infusing Malawian cultural elements into their music, Soul Jive continues to make a significant impact within the local music scene and beyond.