Trustworth Samende
Musician, Artist, and Director in Harare, Zimbabwe
Trust Samende is a world-class guitarist, producer, and music director with over 20 years of international experienceacross 40+ countries. As a cornerstone of the globally acclaimed band Mokoomba, he has led performances on the world’s most prestigious stages, including Glastonbury, Roskilde, and WOMAD, earning an international reputation for elite artistry and creative leadership.
Artistic Leadership & Production
Beyond his work as a performer, Samende is a highly sought-after producer and music director. His technical ear and creative vision were instrumental in the success of Mokoomba’s album Tusona: Tracings in the Sand, which he fully produced, reaching #2 on the Transglobal World Music Chart (TWMC). His production excellence further extends to the folk genre, having produced and directed the album Varipasi by Edith WeUtonga, which earned a prestigious Sound Roots "Folk Album of the Year" nomination (2025).
Session & Stage Collaboration
A prolific session artist, Samende maintains an industry-leading output, recording a maximum of over 100 songs annually. His versatility has made him the guitarist of choice for global icons; he has shared the stage with Reggae legends such as Luciano, Tony Rebel, Judy Boucher, and Queen Ifrica, and recorded with international electronic and world music pioneers like Gregor Salto and Yuri Da Cunha.
Entrepreneurship & Pedagogy
As a visionary entrepreneur, Samende is the Founder and Director of Kulcha Houz Studios, Zimbabwe’s largest rehearsal studio network, spanning three branches in Harare. He is also the founder of the Trust Samende School of Guitar (TSSOG), where he mentors the next generation of musicians. His pedagogical approach is defined by a unique bridge between his formal ABRSM Classical foundations (Theory and Piano, Grades 1–5) and a master-level specialization in African guitar and improvisation.
Whether in the studio, on a global festival stage, or in the classroom, Trust Samende is recognized for his technical precision, cultural authenticity, and a deep, lifelong commitment to the evolution of African music.