In Zimbabwe, Paul Lunga is known as the undisputed “king of jazz horns”. Born and raised in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Paul developed a lifelong passion for jazz music. He began as a percussionist in the 2^nd grade, and he progressed to a trumpeter after his high school music teacher discovered his raw talent. Later, he joined the All-Stars Jazz Band and studied under David Charles Gambe. Finally, he mastered his trumpeting skills after completing a home study course with the Royal School of Music in England where he also learned how to read and compose formal music. In 1990, after putting his children through college, Paul decided to begin a professional career as an Afro Jazz performer and form his own band named “Jazz Impacto”. Shortly after, Paul made a name for himself as a “jazz great” in Zimbabwe.

    Paul has played live performances in Zimbabwe, Botswana, Portugal, England, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the USA. In between performing internationally, Paul found time to compose and record his first album titled “Zimbabwe Jive”, which was released by Phaphama Promotions and has sold over 70,000 copies. After having an album that did so well in Zimbabwe, Paul was inspired to record his second album titled “Ketchup”, which he released on July 12, 2002 at the 2002 Zimbabwean Music Festival at the world famous Seattle Center.

    Being a no-nonsense performer, Paul was able to put together an extremely impressive repertoire. His band, Jazz Impacto, consists of the following members: Basil Kumpeu/saxophonist, Elliot Phiri/ guitarist, Nickson Zulu/bassist, and Abbie Ncube/percussionist. Paul has also performed with big names like Hugh Masekla, Basil Coetzee, and he has opened for Abdullah Abraham. “Having seen Paul many times in intimate jazz venues, it is great to hear that trumpet with a ‘big’ sound. Paul has wonderful speed and control over those jazz scales, but it is that tone that marks him as one of the ‘greats’.” –The Daily News, June 2001, Zimbabwe. 

    As a serious jazz maestro, Paul aspires to make his music known around the world. In his archives, he has approximately 400 unrecorded songs waiting to be shared with the music community. With his determination and perseverance, Paul Lunga will truly be crowned the “king of jazz horns”.