Real name: Ahmed Mohammed Kipande

Ahmed Kipande was born in Kilwa Kivinje in the year 1937 and passed away in April 27th 1987. After the passing of his mom, his father moved to Dar es Salaam where Ahmed started his education by joining Uhuru all-male school located at Kariakoo, Dar es Salaam. Kipande started teaching himself to play different instruments including guitar, ukulele, banjo and violin and eventually saxophone which give him immense popularity. In 1953 Kipande joined Tanganyika Jazz led by Zimbe Kidasi as a violinist. In 1958 he decided to own a band and that’s where Kilwa Jazz Band was born.