Currently based in New York at The Manhatthan School of Jazz, pursuing his Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Percussion, 22-year-old Kabelo Boy Mokhatla is back in South Africa by popular demand. He’ll headline in Cape Town with pianist Brathew van Schalkwyk. He refers to his performances with Brathew as a “musical war”, hence the title of their various gigs – “Brathew vs Kabelo Boy”. KEANETSE MOKHOTHU had to find out more about this young jazz drummer/ composer who set stages on fire.
What happened to you and the violin?
I found myself in a position where I had to pause the violin and focus on the drums. It felt as though the drums were an instrument I was meant to pursue before any other. I connected deeper to them than the violin. I still do. That is why I am pursing my degree in New York. So, you can understand how natural my move from the drum kit to the violin all was. However, lately, I have been drawn to go back to strings. You know, pick up from where I left off. I have been thinking of re-igniting this relationship early September this year.
What’s the Kabelo Mokhatla definition of jazz?
I have never really thought about it. I do know though, that it is connected to a way of life. Going back to when exactly I’ll have a Kabelo Mokhatla definition of jazz as you put it, the answer is sincerely one day, which day, I really cannot say at this particular moment.
What qualities do you look for when choosing ensemble members?
How they sound when they play their respective instruments. Whether we can connect spiritually and mentally. I also like to have people who think differently to me and have what it takes not only to bring about my vision but also to pour their hearts and souls into making the music better that I would have imagined. Whenever I play with people I can connect with, I believe that we are all free and trust each other to be when we are on the bandstand! At the end of the day, what we create I know brings joy and a sense of healing to the listeners and us the musicians.
When soloing, does volume and length come to mind?
When I am in the practice room, I always think about the volume and try to be conscious of my surroundings and the sound balance. When I am playing live, I am aware of how loud I am playing but never think about it. Moreover, usually when the spirit is very high on stage, I get lost in the music. I feel like I am a servant which ultimately leads to my mind naturally surrendering to the moment and moments that are born. On the other hand, my body takes command and I allow my inner-being to continue painting the different sounds that come to me throughout my entire performance.
Often the drum kit is the instrument that gets the audience on their feet?
Ha, ha! I guess the logical reason would be that drums make people feel good and which will result in them staying on their feet. In the groove. I cannot explain this feeling. When I listen to masters such as Louis Moholo, Brian Blade and Elvin Jones, my spirit is lifted. The heart and soul they pour out when they are playing, elevates their fellow-musicians to tap into something beyond what they all are capable of and let me tell you, the audience feels that. The drum kit is an extra-ordinary instrument. I also consider how sacred as it has various roles important roles it plays in our African culture ceremonies. It is also used as a mode of communication, amongst other things. For me, it is a true privilege and honour to be awarded such a gift and responsibility to be a drummer.
Do you listen to other local jazz drummers, and what impact do they have on you?
Of course! The list is endless, but currently, I have been checking out Sphelelo Mazibuko, Dane Paris and Tumi Mogorosi. Their work inspires me in many ways, and they continue to make a significant contribution to the music industry.
How did your collaboration with jazz pianist Brathew van Schalkwyk come about?
Long story short: Man, besides the fact that he’s a beast, it’s something that we have always wanted to do for a long time. We first met in Makhanda, auditioning for Afrika Mkhize’s band, and we connected instantly. We fell in love with each other’s playing and characters – he is always happy and has so much love to give. Since he did not make the band that year, 2019, we spoke about coming together to create music. When I went to Cape Town early this year, we had a long, but meaningful conversation and decided to put this together.
Besides our love for music and hunger to experiment with our curiosity: We have a lot of stuff we want to experiment with. There is a record A Love Supreme by John Coltrane, and together with Gilson, we want to present the music as it is something close to us, and the record has positively affected our lives. We want to present our music, and at one of our concerts we will be playing the music we learned while in the National Band this year.
Due to our busy schedule, we are not in a position to record now, but it is something we both want to do. Hopefully, next year the universe will allow us to meet and record.
Any upcoming albums?
Yes, and I titled it simplicity breeds complexity which features my fellow brothers I met in the US. It will probably be out next year, or maybe later this year. I was supposed to finish this project before returning home, but since half of the band, including myself, had to leave the US because of professional engagements, we had to put the project on hold.
The reason for the name, long story short, one of the most valuable lessons I learned from my teacher is that simplicity breeds complexity. Since I surrendered to this philosophy, I havevmade tremendous progress in life as a musician and a human being.
Kabelo Boy meets Brathew van Schalkwyk – 2022 Cape Town Tour Dates:
Kwa Sec
Sunday, 14 August from 3pm
R120 – Students & Pensioners R70
Intshinga Street No. 52 Gugulethu
Book: Whatsapp Koko Nkalashe 083 441 4760
Hank’s Olde Irish
Tuesday, 16 August, 8 pm
R100
110 Bree Street, Cape Town
Tickets: pay at the door
The Athletic Club & Social
Thursday, 18 August, 9pm
R120
35 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town
Tickets: Quicket
Grub & Vine, The Blue Room
Saturday, 20 August, 7:30pm, 9:30pm
R200
103 Bree Street, Cape Town
Tickets: www.grubandvine.co.za
Open Wine
Sunday 21 August, 5pm
Free admission
72 Wale Street, Cape Town
Who: Drummer Kabelo Boy Mokhatla
What: Cape Town Tour
Social media: Facebook Kabelo Boy Mokhatla, Instagram boy_mokhatla,
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