Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane has once again gifted the world of jazz, and he now returns to Cape Town stages from 1 September, 2022. KEANETSE MOKHOTHU finds out how his sound transitioned from the metaphorical to the literal.
You last chatted to Weekend Special in 2018 about Closer to Home, born in between Amanzi Nemifula: Umkhuleko (2020) and Ihubo Labomdabu (2021) – please expand on your journey to Music From My People Vol 1.
It has been an exciting journey, allowing my creativity to grow naturally across the albums we have released. One of the most outstanding elements of the current offering is the inclusion of our elders in the jazz art form. This includes Bab’ Khaya Mahlangu, Buddy Wells, Tlale Makhene and Xolisa Dlamini. These musicians have been well rooted in the nuances of our South African jazz and have been part of the musicians who have put South African jazz on the world map. So having them in my effort to continue the legacy of sounding home was a logical step.
Will there be a Vol. 2 to Vol. 1 of Music From My People to look forward to?
I am not yet sure; it might be 2024. I feel my creativeness and priority have moved on to the new music for 2023. However, Vol. 2 is well needed to seal “music from people.”
Music From my People Vol 1. is only eight months old – how has its reception been per stage, per province, per audience – your social media feed is fascinating?
People unbelievably related to the music. They felt belonging to the sound and that is encouraging. The album’s sound is based on communal and community experiences, making it all ethnically inclusive – no provincial limitations whatsoever.
What lessons has it taught you so far – this is in every way a new album can teach its musician?
I have learned to be unapologetic and as a result realized that people pay attention to the intentions of each album. Truthfulness in our creativity prevails. Ears, bodies and souls await it.
What qualities do you prefer when choosing ensemble members – after all, your roots are in every part of South Africa from – Bethal to Durban?
I often choose people who are gods in their instruments and musicality—musicians who are well vested with the mastery of their instruments and have a big heart to offer.
Jazz is Music. Music is subjective. What is the Sibusiso “Mash” Mashiloane definition of jazz?
Jazz is an idiom that is capable of carrying human meanings. Jazz is music that has its foundation built on human expression and excellence.
You are on your 6th studio album now – how has listening to other SA jazz pianists across the spectrum impacted you as a musician and your music at this particular juncture of your career?
For me, it has been inspirational to hear the possibilities of how the instrument can sound out African musical elements. In this regard, I look up to Bheki Mseleku, Moses Molelekwa, Andile Yenana and Tete Mbambisa.
What is the Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane Sextet planning on leaving the Jazz & Classical Encounters 2022 Vol 4 at Spier audience members with, which tracks can people expect – I believe that this is the only album you will be performing?
Yes, the festival has booked Music From My People Vol. 1. This booking came after the festival director saw our launch in Johannesburg. I feel grateful for the opportunity. We will be playing all the tracks!
Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane Live in Cape Town 2022
Athletic Club & Social
Thursday, 1 September, 9pm
R150
35 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town
Tickets Quicket
Grub & Vine, The Blue Room
Saturday, 3 September, 7.30pm, 9.30pm
R200 per set
103 Bree Street, Cape Town City Centre
Tickets www.grubandvine.co.za
Jazz & Classical Encounters 2022 Vol 4 at Spier Wine Farm
Sibusiso “Mash” Mashiloane Sextet
26 November 2022, 12pm
From R475
R310 Stellenbosch, 7603
Tickets Quicket
Who: Pianist Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane
Albums: Amanz’ Olwandle, Rotha, Closer to Home, Amanzi Nemifula: Umkhuleko, Ihubo Labomdabu, Music from my People Vol 1.
Web: www.sibumash.com
Social media: Facebook Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane, Twitter @sibu_mash, Instagram @sibumash
Youtube: here
WS
