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Thursday, February 22, 2018

OBAKENG THAMAGE AND FRIENDS



(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.