AWARD-winning saxophonist McCoy Mrubata’s dream is to see the younger generation learning more about music and keeping the spirit of jazz alive in South African townships.
The now nationally acclaimed musician will be making his way to East London this week to share what he has learnt over the years and also to launch his 11th album.
Mrubata, who was born in Langa Township, Western Cape, started his music journey at the age of 16 and has not looked back since.
“I loved drawing when I was young but one day I played with my friend’s flute – I fell in love with it and I have never turned back,” he said.
The 55-year-old said he was impressed by the standard of education some of the country’s institutions were following.
“There is an increase in the number of young people that are starting to develop an interest in jazz music,” Mrubata said, adding much still needed to be done.
Mrubata first started playing music in the late 1980s when he was part of a band called Fever in Cape Town.
In 1987 he was spotted by Sipho Hotstix Mabuse who helped him move to Johannesburg.
In 1988 he worked with the likes of PJ Powers before he was spotted by veteran producer Kolio Lebona who offered him a recording deal.
Late that year he released his debut album and started his own band with the likes of Jimmy Dludlu.
This Friday Mrubata will spend some time with the youth of Mdantsane at the Arts Centre.
“I will be sharing my journey in music with the young people, give them advice on music and will also take up questions from them,” he said.
He is also scheduled to host a workshop at Stirling High School, which would be open to pupils only.
On Saturday Mrubata will launch his new album, Brasskap Volume 2, at the Eastern Cape Audio Visual Centre (ECAVC).
ECAVC’s Sy Ntuli said they were pleased to be hosting Mrubata.
“We are aware he is coming to launch his new album, Brasskap Vol 2, but we stole the moment and partnered with him so that our artists can benefit through workshops that he will be conducting,” he said.
His launch starts at 7pm at ECAVC and tickets, which will be available at the door, cost R50. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
Jazz legend set to inspire creative genius in youth
The now nationally acclaimed musician will be making his way to East London this week to share what he has learnt over the years and also to launch his 11th album.
Mrubata, who was born in Langa Township, Western Cape, started his music journey at the age of 16 and has not looked back since.
“I loved drawing when I was young but one day I played with my friend’s flute – I fell in love with it and I have never turned back,” he said.
The 55-year-old said he was impressed by the standard of education some of the country’s institutions were following.
“There is an increase in the number of young people that are starting to develop an interest in jazz music,” Mrubata said, adding much still needed to be done.
Mrubata first started playing music in the late 1980s when he was part of a band called Fever in Cape Town.
In 1987 he was spotted by Sipho Hotstix Mabuse who helped him move to Johannesburg.
In 1988 he worked with the likes of PJ Powers before he was spotted by veteran producer Kolio Lebona who offered him a recording deal.
Late that year he released his debut album and started his own band with the likes of Jimmy Dludlu.
This Friday Mrubata will spend some time with the youth of Mdantsane at the Arts Centre.
“I will be sharing my journey in music with the young people, give them advice on music and will also take up questions from them,” he said.
He is also scheduled to host a workshop at Stirling High School, which would be open to pupils only.
On Saturday Mrubata will launch his new album, Brasskap Volume 2, at the Eastern Cape Audio Visual Centre (ECAVC).
ECAVC’s Sy Ntuli said they were pleased to be hosting Mrubata.
“We are aware he is coming to launch his new album, Brasskap Vol 2, but we stole the moment and partnered with him so that our artists can benefit through workshops that he will be conducting,” he said.
His launch starts at 7pm at ECAVC and tickets, which will be available at the door, cost R50. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos