Trumpeter’s talent has him follow in dad’s footsteps

MO-T is an absolute honey with the sweetest ready smile. The trumpet player of Mi Casa is very dedicated to his work and comes from a family of respected musicians.

His father Banza Kgasoane was the trumpeter in Mango Groove, while his grandfather, Henry, was the leader in a group called Big Hennie’s Band.

“I was a problem child who always wanted to be with his dad,” admits Mo-T (real name Moshe Kgasoane). Everything he owned I thought was mine. I would wear his shoes because I missed him when he was travelling all the time. I guess that’s what made me want to walk in his footsteps.

“I fell in love with his sound, which is why I am a musician. My dad never hit me as a child. He was crying during the Samas because he was so proud of us winning.

“My dad’s trumpet case always looked new. And, of course, I wanted his trumpet, but my parents gave me a cornet which is smaller than a trumpet. My mother would make me stay away from his trumpet in case I broke it. When they left the house they’d return to hear me playing his trumpet, but my dad always told my mother it was the radio.”

Mo-T is so passionate about his art that even at school, he lived for the trumpet.

“I tried to get into the National School of the Arts, but I was bad at maths so I was forced to go to King Edward School. They used to call me the Ten Past Two Boy because as the bell rang I would run to the bus so I could get home and rehearse. Every single day I’d just think, ‘trumpet, trumpet, trumpet’. I was expected to do sport, but I never went to practice.

“I am so fortunate to wake up in the morning and do what I love, what I am passionate about.”

Outside of Mi Casa, Mo-T has played with DJs such as Fresh, Euphonik and Clock. He also got to play with his father and his hero in the Alexander Brass Band.

“My dad once said the only time I will have proper rest is in my coffin. Right now I must push forward and work hard. That is why I don’t like negative and lazy people. They are all talk and no action. I also don’t like people who are not original and live off others’ success. You must be real and yourself.”

Mo-T also had an opportunity to study his craft in Sweden for four years. However, he chose to remain in SA.

“My dad was so sad that I would possibly leave. He said if I left a part of him would leave, too. I thanked him for that decision because my success came from my country and that is proudly South African. It means a lot to me and to him because if I can survive here then I can survive anywhere.

“It puts a smile on my face.”