Paul Hanmer returns home to Cape Town to take audiences on a sojourn from 7 to 9 February 2025 on three stages. KEANETSE FOTHOANE caught up with the hit-making legend to gain insight intohis latest projects, and obtain enlightenment about what happens behind the scenes:
Which projects are you currently engaged in?
I am currently putting final touches to a short piece for alto saxophone. The piece is required to be playable by young entrants in a competition due to be hosted by the Cape Town Woodwind Festival in early April 2025. I am also writing short pieces, for the duo of Feya Faku and myself since we hope to perform together in Basel and Zürich in late June of 2025.
After more than three decades within the industry, what is your greatest moment on and off stage to date – and why?
My greatest moment on stage is my next gig. All I am thinking about at this point, are my forthcoming gigs in Cape Town which will feature Kevin Gibson, Nick Williams, Zeke le Grange and Lorenzo Blignaut. Off stage, my greatest moments involve sharing a family meal. Quite honestly, spending time with my wife and daughters, is more and more precious to me.
When forming an ensemble to perform or record with, what qualities do you look for in your selected members?
The people who care about the music and set out to do what best serves the music. For me, these are people who share a deep love of the music with a sense of trust and humility.
Mentorship – how imperative is it in an artist’s career?
Mentorship is deeply special. When I am fortunate to have interactions with younger musicians, I do not think about my own career. I think about the careers these young people will hopefully have.
Your words of wisdom or encouragement to upcoming and established musos would be?
Stick to a daily program of healthy eating, practicing your instrument, mental and physical exercise, enough rest, and sharing time with loved ones.
Cape Town is quite exhilarated with your forthcoming performances – what can revelers look forward to?
This band will be performing songs from my debut album, Trains to Taung; together with a few more recent pieces, such as Musgrave Maskandi, Mr. Richards, and Same Old. I believe people will enjoy the experience.
Paul Hanmer live in Cape Town
Greatmore Studios, UWC Centre for Humanities
Friday, 7 February 2025, from 6pm
R100 donation
Greatmore Street, Woodstock
Tickets: Quicket
Axminster House
Saturday, 8 February 2025, from 3pm
R300
4 Axminster Road, Muizenberg
Tickets: Quicket
Youngblood-Africa
Sunday, 9 February 2025, from 3pm
R350
70, 72 Bree Street, Cape Town CBD
Tickets: Quicket
Who: Paul Hanmer gigs
Discography: Window to elsewhere, Trains to Taung, Playola, Playola EP (Radio Edit), Naivasha, Naivasha Sessions, Water and lights, Accused Number 1: Nelson Mandela, Paul Hanmer: The Essential, Greatest moments of Paul Hanmer, Grand Masters, Concordia, Morning into evening
Social media: YouTube: Paul Hanmer
WS
