Precise in timing and suave in demeanor, Kanu Ntshoko ascends two highly frequented stages in Cape Town on Friday, 14 February and Saturday, 15 February, 2025. KEANETSE FOTHOANE stepped into the world of the drummer to ask him about himself as a muso, and more.
In layman’s terms, what kind of drummer are you?
I am a South African jazz drummer and composer whose playing style is deeply rooted in South African jazz traditions with influences from African folk music, modal jazz and improvisation just to name a few. I think my playing is characterized by its spiritual intensity and rhythmic complexity if I may put it that way, but it is deeper than what I am saying, hahahaha.
What are the implications of carrying the Ntshoko name within the global jazz industry?
I do not know hey. I really live my life the way I was raised at home. But I will say it is a baton to carry. I remember playing with Hilton Schilder for the first time and I had never had rehearsals with him. He called me and I came and played, mind you I did not even know his music, but I just went in and he was like, “You have an ear for the music. You have characteristics of Bra Makaya. You just remind me of him.”
In a radio interview with Mlungisi Gegana last year, you mentioned that your grandfather Makaya Ntshoko gifted you with his drumkit. When do you perform with it?
I keep the drums at home and when I am reminded of the old man, I play them – the kit has a profound energy that instantly lifts me up and makes me travel.
When creating a band, what traits do you prefer in your members for live performances and studio recordings?
Oh wow! You know, being a bandleader is not an easy job but when you have the right people it becomes easy. I really do not look for musicians to play with as I realized that I should not look for musicians to work with. The Almighty is the one that picks the people I should play with. He puts things together at the right time which results in myself and the musicians connecting immediately – the sound that comes from our connection is Godly. This is what some musicians I perform with had to say about gigging with me live:
Ben Reid – piano
“I feel liberated and empowered by the music. It takes us all to a place we have never seen but we all know so well. A place where we can be free and where we can be ourselves.”
Tiana Amari – bass
“Working with Kanu is a spiritual experience!”
Katy Racionzer – trumpet
“Making music with Kanu is a spiritually freeing experience. He keeps you on your toes with his musical conversations.”
Carli Morkel – sax
“My collaboration with Ntshoko is a deeply spiritual journey, where our music becomes an extension of who we are. Rooted in shared understanding and inner knowing. Creating rhythms and melodies that reflect our unity and collective purpose.”
Sisipho Mangete – trombone
“Playing with Ntshoko and the band has been an extraordinary experience that expanded my musical awareness and spiritual upliftment.”
Kindly elaborate on the importance and necessity of mentorship?
Oh wow, this is quite a great question, Mentorship really helps. It is vital in the music industry as it furnishes emerging artists and professionals with guidance, support and access to valuable resources, networks and opportunities, thereby enabling individuals to navigate the industry more effectively, develop their skills and increase their chances of success. I was under the mentorship of great musicians in South Africa myself such as Victor Ntoni, Louis Moholo-Moholo and Makaya Ntshoko just to name a few.
What can audiences look forward to in your forthcoming performances?
Transformation and healing. The rest will come from them.
Kanu Ntshoko live in Cape Town
The Athletic Club & Social
Friday,14 February 2025, from 8pm
R200
35 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town
Tickets: Quicket
Selective Live
Saturday,15 February 2025, from 6pm
R100
189 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town
Tickets: Quicket
Who: Drummer Kanu Ntshoko interview
Social media: Facebook: Kanu Ntshoko, Instagram: kanu__ntshoko
WS
