Interview: McCoy Mrubata’s Cape Town 2024 Homecoming Concerts, celebrating his milestone birthday and launch of new album Lullaby for Khayoyo

Did you know that internationally acclaimed and celebrated saxophonist McCoy Mrubata once harboured the wish to be a visual artist? This changed when he was gifted a penny whistle and he fell in love with music. The recipient of five SAMA (South African Music Awards and with over 20 albums, here he is, celebrating his milestone 65^th birthday, with the release of his new album, Lullaby for Khayoyo and a homecoming tour in June 2024 in the Cape: Cape Town CBD (Star Theatre, Homecoming Theatre, formerly the Fugard), Langa (Guga S’thebe) and Noordhoek (Café Roux). The legendary master saxophonist was born in Langa, Cape Town and is thrilled to be celebrating in his hometown, the Mother City. The concert at The Star Theatre will be recorded live by Fine Music Radio (FMR 101.3 FM) for broadcast at time to be announced. The tour is being produced by the Cape Town Music Academy – CTMA. After Cape Town, there will be homecoming tours in KZN and Johannesburg. McCoy Mrubata reflects on his milestone birthday album, tour in the Cape and the excitement of discovering music:

TCR: When did you last perform in the Cape?

McCoy Mrubata: I last performed in Cape Town last year, October 2023 so it is wonderful to back and fantastic to celebrate my birthday and new album.

TCR: Insights into Lullaby for Khayoyo?

The new album is about the gathering of the African/ American artists combining in creating a great experience, lending different voices to making unique soulful, rhythmic sounds full of harmonies- groovy sounds, energetic African rhythms, and heart-warming ballads, Jazz in South Africa is thriving and thanks to the music institutions that are giving the young students good music education and the mushrooming of jazz venues and jazz festivals in the major cities.  

TCR: Can you tell us about the launch concerts for Lullaby for Khayoyo in South Africa?

MM: It is wonderful that I have been able to bring out to South Africa, my American guitarist friend, Gary Wittner. He is a co-producer of Lullaby for Khayoyo. We recently returned from the USA, from our launch tour, promoting the album. It is exciting to be launching the album in three cities in South Africa: Cape Town, KZN and Joburg.  Starting in Cape Town, we will be joined by the two young and fine musicians – Sibusiso Matsimela (bass) and Tefo Mahola drummer).

TCR: Lullaby for Khayoyo: Is it dedicated to Khayoyo -who is this?

MM: The album is dedicated to my four year old grandson, Khaya (Khayoyo). One of the tracks is dedicated to Winston Mankunku Ngozi and it is called Oh Yhini.

TCR: Can you tell us about your California debut in April (2024) at the San Francisco Jazz Festival?

MM:  I was joined by  Garry Wittner and bass player Noah Garabedian and drummer Deszon Claiborne. My performance was part of a Southern African Arts Alliance program celebrating the 30th anniversary of Freedom Day, South Africa’s first democratic elections. We toured cities in the USA, performing at jazz clubs, theatres and conducting workshops and master classes South African musicians Melanie Scholtz and Derik Gripper were also featured.

TCR: Reflections on your career highlights?

MML: My career highlights, include working with South African greats like the late Hugh Mesekela, Lucky Dube and touring the world with them. Also working with my long-time friend, Paul Hanmer touring the USA and Europe, East and West Africa. In 2018 Paul and I celebrated 30 years of friendship and making music together. I have won five SAMA (South African Music Awards) as a soloist – and with the Sheer All Stars and Wessel van Rensburg. I am grateful for the recognition.

TCR: Looking back on your extraordinary career, your formal learning was interrupted by the Soweto Uprisings in 1976 but in spite of the challenges, you made your way artistically?

MM: I was 16 years old when the Soweto Uprisings Occurred. Schooling was interrupted for about two years. However, 1976 is the year that music found me. I grew up thinking I was going to be a visual artist as I used to draw all the time until a buddy of mine who was also a visual artist left his penny whistle at our house after a drawing session. It felt very good when I tried to play it and I asked him to show me more about handling and the instrument and once I got the grip, I never looked back.  I abandoned drawing and just practiced the penny whistle all the time. In 1978, my mom bought me a flute. After six months, I joined my first professional band Fever and in 1979 I joined Touch.

In 1980, I bought myself a tenor saxophone. I studied in Langa with musical legends such as pianist Madoda Gxabeka, tenor saxophonist Winston Ngozi, trumpeter Fezekile “Blackie” Tempi and penny whistle master Robert Sithole.

I left Touch after four years and got myself a day job as the music business was very slow, at the time. In 1985, I was back full time in music after joining Louis And The Jive. We toured country wide for over two years. In 1987, Sipho Hotstix Mabuse saw me performing with Louis And The Jive at the Good Hope Centre and asked me to join his band. I worked with him for a year. I joined PJ Powers. The following year. While with PJ Powers, I got a recording deal with a British based record company Zomba Records.  I recorded my debut album Firebird. Itwas released in 1989. I have since recorded over 20 albums. 

TCR: Can you talk about music and musicians who have influenced you in South Africa?

MM: Growing up, I was exposed to the soulful hymns of the Zion Church and the chants and rhythms of traditional healers. South African swing made an impact on me.  I mention the Merry Macs, an early Cape Town jazz combo which rehearsed across from my home in Langa. Langa was very influential on my music and it warms my heart to be back in Cape Town and in Langa to pay homage to the city that birthed my music.

✳ Saxophonist McCoy Mrubata who was born in Langa, Cape Town is celebrating his milestone 65^th birthday, with the release of his new album, Lullaby for Khayoyo and a homecoming tour in June 2024 in Cape Town. This interview has been marginally edited for length and clarity. Images supplied.