Eastern Cape music legend Retsi Pule will bring his 1960s sound to life this week when he hosts a one-night show on Friday at Legends Showcase in Berea.
Pule started singing at the age of eight and has been performing since the 1950s when he sang in close harmony groups around King William’s Town and East London.
“Back then, in East London’s shanty town, known as East Bank the music of the day was jazz.
“Big bands were the ‘in thing’ and played jazz standards. They even composed their own songs in the mould of American jazz,” he said.
He said he would be performing his unique standard jazz music and other hits on Friday.
The 74-year-old jazz singer had his big break in the 1960s when legendary pianist Pat Matshikiza convinced him to go to Johannesburg where he got an opportunity to perform alongside Sophiatown’s “Queen of Music” Dolly Rathebe.
“In the late ’60s and into the ’70s I recorded a long list of songs with then Radio Bantu and made numerous commercial recordings with Gallo and WEA Records in Johannesburg,” he said.
Pule went on to work with numerous well-known South African musicians such as Steve Kekana and Johnny Clegg.
While in Johannesburg, Pule formed his own band and released an album. In the late ’70s he returned home and worked with jazz musicians Tete Mbambisa and Vuyiswa Ngcwangu.
For the past 20 years, Pule has been under the management of Thando Pule Music Productions, owned by his son.
- Catch Pule on Friday night at Legends Showcase.
- Tickets cost R100 and the show starts at 8pm. For bookings go to Lee Gold Music or call (043)735-1586 or (043)721-2794. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
EC’s legend to host one-night show in Berea
Pule started singing at the age of eight and has been performing since the 1950s when he sang in close harmony groups around King William’s Town and East London.
“Back then, in East London’s shanty town, known as East Bank the music of the day was jazz.
“Big bands were the ‘in thing’ and played jazz standards. They even composed their own songs in the mould of American jazz,” he said.
He said he would be performing his unique standard jazz music and other hits on Friday.
The 74-year-old jazz singer had his big break in the 1960s when legendary pianist Pat Matshikiza convinced him to go to Johannesburg where he got an opportunity to perform alongside Sophiatown’s “Queen of Music” Dolly Rathebe.
“In the late ’60s and into the ’70s I recorded a long list of songs with then Radio Bantu and made numerous commercial recordings with Gallo and WEA Records in Johannesburg,” he said.
Pule went on to work with numerous well-known South African musicians such as Steve Kekana and Johnny Clegg.
While in Johannesburg, Pule formed his own band and released an album. In the late ’70s he returned home and worked with jazz musicians Tete Mbambisa and Vuyiswa Ngcwangu.
For the past 20 years, Pule has been under the management of Thando Pule Music Productions, owned by his son.
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