Jazz legend to perform at Stirling High

THE Stirling High School Auditorium will be hosting a live jazz music concert tomorrow evening featuring some of the best jazz musicians in South Africa: Lulama Gawulana on bass, Ayanda Sikade on drums, Nduduzo Makhathini on piano and Sakhile Simani on trumpet

Respected local jazz musician Gawulana, who recently released a CD called Homage to Johnny Dyani , will be playing tunes from his CD as well as some of his most recent original compositions. Gawulana, who grew up in the communities of Mdantsane and Duncan Village, was heavily influenced by Johnny Dyani, who also grew up in Duncan Village.

Johnny was taught to play bass by pianist Fats Mbambisa, and his big break came in the early 1960s when he joined Tete Mbambisa’s quartet for a tour in Cape Town.

There he was spotted by the legendary Chris McGregor, with whom he subsequently became synonymous in transforming South African jazz.

After their exile to Britain in 1964, McGregor’s “Blue Notes” jazz band had a significant influence on international and especially British jazz, bringing the swing and vigour of South Africa’s music to international attention and presenting our jazz to the world seriously for the first time.

It was in the context of this legacy that guitarist and bassist Gawulana learnt to play jazz.

He never met Johnny, but the influences of his music were all around, reflected in the musicians left behind.

Gawulana has been a mainstay on the Eastern Cape jazz scene for more than three decades, working with many of South Africa’s leading musicians and has performed in The Netherlands, Pakistan, India and the Middle East.

He is a lyrical and innovative composer who has remained in East London, committed to his roots, also nurturing successful young musicians such as Ayanda Sikade and Sakhile Simani.

Tickets R100 at the door but there will be discounts for students and pensioners.