We need to document the heritage of saxophone for younger generation – saxophonist Tshepo Tsotetsi

Saxophone player Tshepo Tsotetsi believes that SA has a rich and delicate saxophone sound heritage.

The multi-talented musician points out that the local heritage of saxophone was something to be proud of and deserves to be documented for young generations to come.

Tsotetsi was participating at the first South African Saxophone Symposium that took place on Sunday, both virtually and physically, at the Gauteng Academy of Music where saxophone community came together in celebrating the rich history behind it. 

The symposium brought together a group of young and established sax players like Barney Rachabane, Khaya Mahlangu, McCoy Mrubata and Steve Dyer.

They paid homage to some of the greatest players like Kippie Moeketsi, Moses Khumalo, and Mankunku Ngozi.

Symposium was about sharing experiences about on what influences style of play, and a panel of discussion that looked at an index of South African saxophonists timeline and archiving.

Tsotetsi said: “As much as we have CD and records, I believe that there should be a methodology and papers written about the heritage of saxophone. We need to immortalise this thing as it can make music easier for younger generations. We have a very rich history of saxophone playing, one that should be explored further.  I am grateful that I was able to learn.”

Before he could find his own style, Tsotetsi explained that he found himself confused on what works for him after listening to a number of new age saxophone players.  

Saxophone player and convener of the symposium, Mthunzi Mvubu, who is a product of Music Academy of Gauteng in Daveyton on the East Rand, said the event was aimed at opening platform for interaction, sharing of expertise and also celebrating the country’s saxophone players.

“We don’t have a documented history on South African saxophone players. This symposium was all about documenting our heritage and history when it comes to South African saxophone sound. We had discussion around the perspective and interviewed both young and old saxophone players for aspiring musicians.

"We played music that is composed by South African saxophone players just to celebrate them. Everything  went well except that due to Covid-19 restrictions, we could not invite schools. I would have also wanted to have workshops, but they could not happen due to Covid-19.”

One of the young jazz saxophonists Simon Manana shared his perspective on SA jazz saxophones style and what shapes it.

Manana was awarded the most promising saxophonist award, while  Rachabane received a lifetime achievement award.

“I personally believe that the music we listened to and our culture influences our style of playing. I have been influenced by how our mothers sing in church. Part of what makes our sound unique is the kind of music we listen to when growing up. So, I think that sound is much embedded in our DNA and it comes out when you play. "

Female tenor saxophone player Linda Tshabalala conceded that the journey of women as instrumentalists in the South African music industry has been a sad one.

Tshabalala bemoans lack for support and platform for women to showcase their talent.

“There is a domination of men and for women to succeed they need to work harder. There is no enough information available out there about female instrumentalists to inspire others. There are women who played horns before me, like Nthabiseng Jazz Mokoena and Mpho Mabokgwane, that inspired me a lot. I think for us to reach a level of inclusive creativity, we have to get to a point where we support saxophone players whether it is a man or woman.”