Like so many bands in Africa, Vijana Jazz is a sponsored group: in this case by the youth wing of Tanzania's ruling political party, Chama cha Mapinduzi. Vijana has for many years enjoyed geat popularity. Their sound was subtly changed in 1978 with the government's passing of a law allowing bands to use currency to purchase foreign instruments, in this case synthesizers and a drum machine. The 1990 death of the band's leader was a blow, but the group have continued to perform. ~ Leon Jackson