Award-winning Bloemfontein-born triple plus threat Thapelo Khumisi is embarking on his maiden Mother City tour in March 2024. The maestro will appear live with his quartet on popular stages in and around Cape Town. KEANETSE MOKHOTHU chatted to him in Pretoria.
How do you define South African jazz?
Each and every generation has a movement or sound that needs exhibiting through a cry, laughter or moments in society. South African jazz music is a collection of chaos through the human experience that the musician creates in order for a melody, rhythm and improvisation to form. The whole country has a variety of sub-styles of jazz according to the influence of western art methods. Our sounds though, are very unique.
Take us through your jazz journey from Bloemfontein to Pretoria.
I was born and raised in Bloemfontein like any township child. I started playing keyboard in church then moved on to mbaqanga. I grew up in a musical family. My senior brother, Moroka Khumisi, would play Abdullah Ibrahim, Jonas Gwangwa, Houston Peterson etc.
On a Sunday, an elder from our street would play a variety of fusion music. I developed an interest from being exposed to all these music genres.
My mother then decided to buy me a small keyboard as she noticed how invested I was. She thereafter took me to different piano tutors during Grade 11 and 12. Fast forward, I got the opportunity to study under Andile Qongqo – he became my mentor – another path of western jazz music I took.
After the teachings, developments and motivation, I moved to Pretoria where I studied a degree in Music at Tshwane University of Technology. Post graduation, I progressed to the University of Pretoria for my honours in Music Community.
How do you link Thapelo Khumisi the musician, educator and man?
Musician: Constantly learning and playing with different personnel to continue upskilling myself as you become aware of new music from everyone every year.
Educator: I have always had a huge interest in teaching music. After I discovered my element of continuous learning and sharing, I realized that there is plenty to share with a new generation. As part of restoration, due to our country’s history, music education was
systematically not part of the curriculum in black schools. I have been actively involved in music education through the Unisa Music Foundation, which gives lessons to disadvantaged communities.
Please share light on your compositional style, considering how powerful your debut single Ndege Nzuri (beautiful bird in Swahili) is.
I do not have a fixed composition process. With Ndege Nzuri for instance, I loved going to the Groenkloof Nature Reserve to relax and spend time on my own. So, I saw different colourful birds and as I listened to their riddle sound, I tried to compose a song based on their rhythm, melody and harmony movements.
As an educator, what are the strategies you would propose for mentorship to be effective within our industry?
Branding. Telling your story. Growth Planning. Money and business. Organised system.
I often speak to my students about branding through using all raw materials available at their disposal, as money is the answer to every problem. I also encourage them to be unique and learn from their peers and masters who came before us all.
Furthermore, I share the following with them; “Have an organized system and write a growth plan comprising of the industry areas you would like to learn from or maximize yourself in. In music, business is as important as your skillful playing.
What traits do you look for in band members?
Music appreciation, suggestions, character, sensitivity of space, storytelling ability, dynamics and a smile.
Congratulations on your maiden Cape Town tour – what can revelers look forward to?
A lot of stories from the City of Roses via tracks such as Rocks, Eazy and Kenny, plus the love song Piero.
A lot of music and cherishing moments through laughter and involvement of audiences and musicians. After all, I am because you are.
Thapelo Khumisi Cape Town gigs
The Athletic Club & Social
Friday, 22 March from, 9pm
R200
35 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town
Tickets: Quicket
Grub & Vine: Blue Room
Saturday, 23 March from, 8h30pm
R200
103 Bree Street, Cape Town
Tickets: https://theblueroomza.com/reserve/
The Commons
Sunday, 24 March from, 8pm
R120
Surfer’s Corner, Beach Road, Muizenberg
Tickets: Quicket
M-PIRE Music
Monday, 25 March from, 8pm (doors open at 7pm)
R200 (Door), R150 (Quicket)
First Floor, 299 Albert Road, Woodstock
Tickets: Door, Quicket
Who: Pianist Thapelo Khumisi
Discography: Ndege Nzuri (single)
Social media: Instagram @Thapelo Khumisi, Facebook Thapelo Khumisi
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