Closer to home

Liam Karabo Joyce interviewed jazz heavyweight Ernie Smith

Born and raised in the south of Durban, jazz musician Ernie Smith says he is more than a little excited to be coming back home to perform. Smith will be performing alongside American blues legend Cyril Neville this week. We caught up with Smith ahead of his concert. How excited are you about your concert in Durban?

It is always a great feeling coming to perform in my home town. Durban always has such exciting audiences who draw music out of me in a way that only they can. What made you say yes to this concert, which includes Cyril Neville?

I love New Orleans and its music, so performing with Cyril is such a treat. He is a legend in his own right and an accomplished and celebrated artist. What can people who don’t necessarily know you and your music expect from your concert?

I will be performing songs that are jazz- and African-inspired, songs that talk about the walk of life in all its different aspects of the human condition. My music celebrates life through playful melodies and dance. What are you most looking forward to about performing?

I feel like I will be an ambassador for my music and South Africa in my own home town next to an artist from the US. Last year you released Closer. Tell us more about that album.

I am very excited about Closer because it is my first independent album. It was a real challenge learning how to be creative and still find the resources to finance the entire process.

It was a learning curve for me to, firstly, understand how to deal with both the business and creative aspect on my own, and then outsource things like marketing and photographers – and still direct every part of it. I would encourage anyone who wants to be an independent artist to research the process and ask lots of questions of people who have already done it.

What else can your fans expect from you this year?

I am doing a lot of travelling for performances locally and I will be touring the US later this year.