By the African Calabash Radio Team · 1 November 2026

In 1970s Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, a multi-racial band called S.A.B.U., short for Soul and Blues Union, rose to become one of the best and tightest soul, funk and “Afro-soul” outfits in Southern Africa. Their story is also part of the story of the late Henry Peters, who counted the Soul and Blues Union Band among the groups he performed with.

This history draws on oral accounts shared with the African Calabash Radio team by some of the band’s members, together with the record label and public sources.

On the live circuit

S.A.B.U. drew its talent from the music hubs of the day, such as Arcadia, and became known for high-energy Saturday night shows at venues including Arcadia Hall, Club Tomorrow, Barney’s and Le Mat. The line-up changed a great deal over the years, with some of the country’s best musicians rotating in and out.

The members

Henry Peters was a foundational and core pillar of the group. A highly influential, multi-talented force, producer and veteran of the scene, Peters helped establish S.A.B.U.’s artistic direction, serving as a critical bridge between the era’s finest local musicians and the studio. His enduring legacy extended across decades as a pioneering “son of the soil” who deeply shaped the trajectory of contemporary Zimbabwean music.
Alton Edwards (vocals and bass) was the band’s front man. He joined in the early 1970s after studying the flute in Zambia and wrote the B-side “Where Do We Fall In”. After S.A.B.U. he formed Unity, moved to Zurich in 1978 to write for the group Superlove, then worked with Motown producer Clay McMurray in Los Angeles. Settled in England, he scored a UK Top 20 hit at the start of 1982 with “I Just Wanna (Spend Some Time With You)”.
Clancy Mbirimi (bass) was just 16 when Boykie Moore personally recruited him, and S.A.B.U. was his very first band. He anchored the driving rhythm section the band’s funk covers and originals needed, moving between S.A.B.U. and the Harare Mambos. Read more about him in our Clancy Mbirimi tribute.
Tanga Wekwa Sambo (trumpet and vocals), known early in his career as Tanga Wekwa Sando, joined after six years as a teenage prodigy with the Harare Mambos. His horn helped define the band’s brassy Afro-funk sound before he went on to help form the Unitee Band, alongside Louis Mhlanga, and Octive.
Dave Ndoro (guitar) was recruited from another local outfit because of his raw talent. His arrival marked a peak era for S.A.B.U., which fellow musicians of the time described as one of the best multiracial bands in the country. He moved between S.A.B.U. and the Harare Mambos before joining Thomas Mapfumo’s Mutanga Modern Band.
Soul Evans was an essential contributor during the band’s peak years of live club residencies.
Rob and Boykie Moore were key members of the band and the writers of its signature funk anthem, “What’s the Fuss”. Boykie was the one who recruited a teenage Clancy Mbirimi.

“What’s the Fuss”

The band’s best-known recording is the 7-inch single “What’s the Fuss”, written by Rob and Boykie Moore, with “Where Do We Fall In” on the B-side. The label states that it was recorded and produced at A.P.L. Studios and carries the catalogue number ATS 802. The groove caught the attention of major labels, and the members recall that Atlantic Records scouted the band, which led to the single appearing on the Atlantic label. Collectors date the record to 1976, and it has since become a sought-after find. A copy sold at auction on eBay in 2015 for US$710, and collectors of Southern African funk and boogie still hunt for it.

Listen to S.A.B.U.

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Do you have a photo of S.A.B.U.?

We do not yet have a photograph of the band, so for now the picture is the record label itself. If you played in S.A.B.U., saw them at their live shows, or have a photograph or any memories to share, please get in touch with the African Calabash Radio team and we will gladly add them to this story.

Read our tribute to Henry Peters.

Beyond the Music