The death has taken place of noted jazz guitarist Robert Mwamba, younger brother of longtime Irish Echo boxing and soccer correspondent, Jay Mwamba.
Robert Mwamba was born in Lusaka, Zambia, on September 20, 1968 to Simon Mwamba [1927-2018] and Mildred Mwamba [1939-1986]. He died on April 23 in Corona, Queens, New York of natural causes.
The brothers Mwamba spent three years in Washington, D.C. from 1969 to 1972 where their father served as Zambia's deputy ambassador to the United States.
They returned to the U.S. in 1989 and Robert earned an economics degree from Baruch College. He worked for a time as a bank manager but left to pursue his love of jazz music as a guitarist.
He came out of the great Jazz guitar tradition of Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Pat Martino, Rodney Jones, and others. He was also thoroughly modern and contemporary in his approach and his playing often embraced elements of R&B, Latin, Blues, Soul and other musical genres.
Robert Mwamba's debut album “Cousin” featured three grammy award-winning artists, a Grammy nominee, and his mentor, the legendary guitarist Rodney Jones, Jazz Guitar Professor at Juilliard and the Manhattan School of Music.
Robert was a recipient of a Congressional Award for Outstanding and Invaluable Service to the Community. He served as Musical Director of the UNSRC Jazz Society Band at the United Nations.
His musical versatility enabled him to perform at events for the likes of UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and Kofi Annan, Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, Oscar-Winning Actress Mira Sorvino, and Hip-Hop Mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Robert is survived by his 22-year-old son, Jelani Banfield, who is an up and coming jazz bassist.
