KEANETSE MOKHOTHU chats to guitar legend Bheki Khoza about his music, and how he and Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane came to feature on each other’s respective albums.
South African jazz has evolved, what space does it find itself in today?
It has always had nuances of what is happening globally, think of Nduduzo Makhathini’s sound today. Furthermore, the South African jazz “feel” has made a mark since the sixties with musicians like Abdullah Ibrahim, Chris McGregor, Gilbert Matthews, Philip Tabane, Bheki Mseleku, Morris Goldberg, Mervyn Africa, Zim Ngqawana etc.
What are the benefits of performing live and recording in studio?
Live performances inspire more creativity and spontaneity as the musicians can feed off the response from the audience.
How important is it to have an authentic style of playing?
Having an authentic sound gives one a unique voice and therefore identity.
Soloing, studio and live recordings – when is enough is enough for you?
Whether soloing, studio or live recordings, all of these have time limits. Like talking it is important to know when to stop.
What traits do you look out for in musicians when forming ensembles
I only have three – music skill, musicianship and discipline. These are what I still resonate with and still prefer since I decided to become a professional South African jazz guitarist.
Jazz is music. Music is subjective. What is the Bheki Khoza definition of jazz?
For me for music to qualify as jazz, it has to adapt itself to improvisation. I shun to call Jazz any music that offers no self-expression (improvisation) as Jazz.
Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane – when and how did you meet – you feature on his latest release Music from my people Vol. 1 – plus you will be sharing a stage with him on 2 September 2022 at The Commons?
I met Mash a while ago. Our first jam session was at a Dr Gcina Mhlophe event and we liked how we blended. Next thing, he books me for his latest album and I booked him for recording I recently produced, the rest is history.
The line-up – which compositions can the audience look forward to – can we expect a Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane number, or numbers?
African jazz standards and a couple of my tracks from all three my albums are a definite. As for Mash, any of his numbers can win!
Bheki Khoza Live in Cape Town 2022
Alliance Française du Cape
Friday, 26 August, 7pm
R150
155 Loop Street, Cape Town
Bookings Whatsapp Koko Nkalashe: 083 441 4760
Kwa Sec
Sunday, 28 August 2022 from 3pm
R120 – Students; R80 – Pensioners
Intshinga Street No. 52 Gugulethu
Bookings Whatsapp Koko Nkalashe: 083 441 4760
Grub & Vine, The Blue Room
Wednesday, 31 August, 7.30pm, 9pm
R200 per set
103 Bree Street, Cape Town
Tickets www.grubandvine.co.za
The Commons
Friday, 2 September, 8pm – 9.pm
R100
Surfers corner, Beach Road, Muizenberg
Tickets Quicket
Hank’s Olde Irish
6 September, 8pm
R100
110 Bree Street, Cape Town
Tickets Door
Who: Guitarist Bheki Khoza
Albums: Getting to heaven alive, Songs of life, Asambe
Social media: Facebook Bheki Khoza, Instagram @bheki.khoza
WS
