Bhudaza’s return is big joy for jazz lovers
Mapefane enjoys performing alongside other great artists
When he takes to the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz stage tomorrow, Bhudaza Mapefane of Lesotho will be making a welcome third appearance at the prestigious festival.
The last time he performed at the event was in 2012. “I’m returning five years later and I’m delighted. Every time I come there are huge developments.
“I do attend even when I’m not performing. It would be my first time at the Sandton Convention Centre. I think I will love it and I look forward to my debut there,” said Mapefane.
“Being at the Joy of Jazz is one of those milestones, it’s one of the biggest stages in SA. To perform alongside international artists is great because we learn from each other.”
Mapefane also counts his lucky stars after surviving an attack at a club in Maseru, Lesotho, when soldiers stormed the venue and unleashed their wrath on revellers. He shows me a scar on his head serving as a permanent reminder of the July attack. He says it was a revenge attack after one unruly soldier, who was a patron in the club, got involved in a fight.
“I was severely beaten and I lost my camera in the commotion. It was very bad. The public was outraged. These experiences add to the vocabulary of my music,” he said.
Mapefane says he has consulted a lawyer and a case of assault is being investigated.
Turning his attention to music, Mapefane says he enjoys composing because to him it’s like a workshop where he chisels and arranges.
“It’s like being in the kitchen preparing a meal and then dishing out,” he says.
“When your audience enjoy the music it’s the most fulfilling feeling – that means you have passed the litmus test.
“I enjoy taking a drive in a bus. There are so many topics that come up and you hear so many things,” he says.
“Frank Leepa once wrote a song E Thata Ntho Ena which was based on a conversation between two women in a taxi talking about some death at a nearby tavern.”
Mapefane also loves nature.
“In summer I like to travel up to Katse Dam in the countryside to see peace-loving people and take in the beautiful scenery which is not contaminated by city life. I usually take my saxophone with and practise there,” he says.
“My music is influenced by day-to-day activities such as current affairs and politics.
“We are lucky to have a prime minister who is a jazz enthusiast and is supportive of the arts. I haven’t met him yet but I wish to send him my congratulations and let him know that now is the time for art to shine.
“I grew up in the AME church. I love my tradition and culture but I’m still Christian.”
Mapefane performs tonight at the Sandton Convention Centre.
‘ ‘ It’s like being in the kitchen preparing a meal and dishing out
The show ends tomorrow night.