Vijana Jazz Orchestra, established in 1971 under the leadership of John Ondoro Chacha, emerged as a pivotal force in Tanzania's muziki wa dansi scene. Sponsored by the Umoja wa Vijana, the youth wing of the ruling party, the band was among the first to incorporate synthesizers and drum machines, crafting innovative mitindo (styles) such as sindimba, heka heka, koka koka, watoto wa nyumbani, and pamba moto. Their dynamic sound, shaped by notable musicians like Hemedi Maneti, Hamza Kalala, and Issa Chikupele, captivated audiences throughout the 1980s. The band's prominence waned in the early 1990s following the untimely death of Maneti in 1990. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vijana_Jazz?utm_source=openai))