(Obakeng
Thamage)
A performance by pianist, composer and
soon-to-be-film score writer, Obakeng Thamage, and Friends this Friday (February
23) at The Jazzy Rainbow is part of the Concerts SA Venue Circuit which aims to
foster a love and support for live music in our communities, as well as anchor
small and medium sized venues in urban and rural Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and
the Western Cape.
Durban’s jazz lounge, The Jazzy Rainbow, in
association with Concerts SA, launched its first straight jazz programme on the
eve of Heritage Day in September 2016 and continues to follow up with the same
concept. “#JazzyStraightAhead is about introducing regular, live, straight jazz
concerts to our city in order to help keep the music alive,” says Oliver-Rene
Haas.
Thamage was born in Krugersdorp on the West
Rand. He started engaging in music at the 14, though his family recall seeing
signs of his artistic nature from the tender age of four. He loved anything
that involved music and drama. He was often seen making use of tins and buckets
as drums. Being the only musician in the family made it hard for him to pursue
it as a career, “I take after my father” says Thamage because he used to join
him in composing whenever he was practicing the piano. His music career became
clearer in 2013, a year after he had started playing the piano, when he joined
a trio of friends that he grew up with called ReClef Rhythm.
His musical background has largely been in
the jazz arena but, has he since also discovered a love for other genres. In
2016, after completing his matric, Thamage made up his mind to pursue music as
a career and a calling. Since then he has been afforded the opportunity to do many
gigs sharing stages with big names such as Hugh Masekela, Ray Phiri and
Benjamin Dube, in a range of different genres such as jazz, pop, gospel and
more. He has played for Keke Phoofolo, Thinah Zungu, Nosihe Zulu and many
others. Although he has accompanied many artists, he never strayed from the
initial goal of establishing his name and works in the jazz industry. His
composing style has African elements fused with modern day Bebop but, unlike
Bebop, it has many sections and partly a classical theme, while still leaving
space for the traditional jazz improvisation. Thamage is currently studying
towards a Music Degree at UKZN.
The performance takes place at 19h00 on February
23. Entrance R50 includes a free drink for students (T&C). Bookings on 031 303
8398 or email jazzyrainbow@mweb.co.za
The Jazzy Rainbow is situated at 93 Smiso
Nkwanyana Road in Morningside.
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