MICK RAUBENHEIMER discovered Sibusile Xaba by way of quiet revelation. Appearing at the Nirox Sculpture Park’s Guitar Giants festival, alongside such local talents as Steve Newman and Greg Georgiades, Sibusile’s set was immersive, even hypnotizing. Joined by son of guitar griot Dr. Philip Tabane, percussionist Thabang Tabane, the music was effortlessly resonant, its placid, life affirming surfaces belying complex, ancient undercurrents. The interplay between Xaba’s meandering, alert guitar and Thabang and fellow percussionist Moahanganai Magagula’s playfully syncopated rhythms was merrily spontaneous – music at play with itself. But it is Xaba’s voice which truly captures and keeps one’s attention, warm and potent it is equally captivating as timbral whisper as when it stands tall, expanding into horizons with an intrinsic, rich regality.
Mick spoke to Xaba on the eve of his new album Open letter to Adoniah’s release.
Tell us about your journey into music
I’m a KZN boy, born and bred. I’m proud to say I come from a family of sincere music lovers – my family loves music, enormously. I distinctively remember that music was always played loud at home and it was never a problem, actually it was a rule: Music all the time and played at high volume, good tunes constantly. I remember my dad had lots of vinyls and we would all dance as the music continuously played in our household. In my younger days we would build guitars from 5L oil containers, old broom sticks and fishing rods, it was amazing as we would teach each other how to play tunes with these custom-made guitars.
After completing high school, it was clear I was going to be a musician and nothing else was an option so I went straight to the big city, Pretoria, in pursuit of the music.
I was extremely lucky to be surrounded not only by great human beings but great musicians, who taught me everything I know today, this was called the 4 Seasons brotherhood, this circle of friends was a big blessing in my life.
Within this environment music was happening all day and night in our flat, literally every day there was music and all the hip musicians would come to our place to jam, rehearse, discuss, plan gigs, party (boy did we party!) In PTA it was The spot at the time, all the cats knew of our flat and its musical reputation. So much was learnt there, I can’t even put it into words – without doubt 4 Seasons was the motherboard of my musical journey. Of course the learning never stops, hence I went to school to study music formally, and also worked with great musicians. Truly the Learning Unlearning never stops!
Who have been your biggest influences?
Mannn, there are so many! For now I’ll narrow it down to just musicians. Here’s who spontaneously come to mind:
Internationally – Charlie Parker, Lionel Loueke, Nina Simone, Petrona Martinez & Ouma Sangara, Franco Luambo, Sizzler Kolangi, Fela Kuti & 2 Pac.
Locally – Bucco Xaba, 4 Seasons, Andile Yenana, Silas Fuphe, Ndikho Xaba, Gerrit Strydom, Lesedi Ntsane, Maxwel Baloyi, Nhlanhla Mahlangu, Naftali, Madala Kunene, Dr Philip Tabane, Mfazi Omunyama, Madosini, Zeak, Busi Mhlongo (Urban Zulu), Tumi Mogorosi, Nduduzo Makhathini & Ayanda Sikade.
Tell us about Open letter to Adoniah, is there a central theme?
The music was passed down to me by my ancestors… I think the message is to pose a question, a question of what it means to be alive. I think the whole ‘theme’ is questioning humanity, the meaning of humanity, not necessarily explaining what it means but asking what it means now, what it was and what it will become.
You and Thabang have a deep musical kinship. How long have you played together?
I think so too, at least the universe allows and supports this. It feels natural jamming with him, quite effortless and lots of fun, he’s a great musician. Funnily enough we’ve only been playing together for 3 years but it feels like a lifetime..
How was your recent trip to London?
It was mind-blowing, we really shared the love out there and lots of love was received… we’re still receiving love from London! Personally I dig it, it has its own unique vibe – the air is full of layers of history, quite intriguing… Like any other big city it’s fast paced and vibrant but when you look at people, into their eyes, you see the human factor. I loved it and wouldn’t mind visiting regularly.
Any tours lined up around ‘Open letter’s’ launch?
In August we’re off to the UK again (England & Scotland) and Europe (France, Germany & Amsterdam).
Just in conclusion I would like to say, LOVE WINS, ALWAYS, WITHOUT FAIL, ALWAYS HAS :-). Open letter to Adoniah is out in SA and available at all independent record bars, the international release is 4 August, 2017.
Who: Sibusile Xaba
Album: Open letter to Adoniah
Pre-order the music: www.sibusilexaba.com or https://www.mushroomhour.com/
WS
