CTMA

"I left the house on a whim to enjoy Steven Sokuyeka's show at Guga S'thebe. Home boy delivered the kind of set you wanna close a Sunday afternoon with. At times broody and contemplative, at others joyful and reminiscent, the music was generally easy on the ear and bouncy on the diaphragm. I appreciate Sokuyeka's humility, honoring the likes of Bra Ezra Ngcukana and a bevy of other local legends at whose feet he caught the musical bug. The accompanying musicians understood the meaning of ensamble perfectly well, complementing the man of the hour even in their moments of shine. Buddy wells remains...well, Buddy Wells: seasoned, prolific and attuned to the rhythmic pulse of the music. If the band were an organism, he'd be the heart (and the man has loads of that). Keegan Steenkamp is something of a young sage in his quiet observation of his fellow players and his ability to remain in the moment and give the impression of fun, improvised play in his rehearsed performances. There's a witicism that comes across when you listen to him play. As though he's in conversation with the canon, the audience and his band mates simultaneously, listening for the longest time and occasionally responding with wise quips. George Werner doesn't even have to exert himself on those keys. It's almost poetic how he says so much with so little. It's Babes Ndamase that spoke to me, though: something of a bus conductor in his stewardship of the ensamble's rhythmic section, transposing us from uptempo, New Orleans- inspired syncopations to the sultry, smoky whispers of cymbals luring you to a secret destination you haven't quite packed for but are tempted to journey along to! I'm in bed now, happy and ready to start the new week. Music, man, jazz music...the stuff is life! "

"audience a bit stiff but the trio never fail to move me to shed many teardrops. Thank you Kyle, Jonno and Shane appreciate and love you guys"

"EXCELLENT"

"Pure magic! Feya Faku and his quartet (of jazz legends) are visionaries who share their skills and passion for the music with humility. The whole performance was imbued with spirit and a commitment to the craft and the audience. I felt blessed by the experience. And yes, the homecoming centre needs a piano please! "

"What an amazing session! Tumi’s music is soulful and lyrical and the band were totally in sync. A really uplifting evening. Thank you "