#MusicExchange: Feya Faku

The set that Feya Faku will perform with his quartet at the Jazz & Classical Encounters 2021 this weekend at Spier Wine Farm will be dedicated to late pianist and friend of Feya's, Andre Petersen. He will perform with Bokani Dyer on piano, Shane Cooper on bass and Ayanda Sikade on drums.

By Martin Myers

1 Dec 2021

Feya Faku. | Photo: Siphiwe Mhlambi

The New Brighton-born trumpeter started playing music informally at a young age and got help from local musicians. He then enrolled at the University of Natal to study with Darius Brubeck. It is there, in Durban, that his career blossomed.

In the late 80s, Faku started touring the world with artists such as Abdullah Ibrahim, Bheki Mseleku, Mankunku Ngozi, Sylvia Mdunyelwa and many more. He has recorded six albums under his name as band-leader.

I caught up with Faku last week:

The new decade means:

To enjoy life after my ill health and more music.

Fame is about:

I don’t subscribe to fame.

Retirement will happen when:

My body gives up.

I don't do:

Drugs.

What does music mean to you?

It is a way of life, brotherhood, feeling and sound.

My music is about:

Friendship, trust, energy and brotherhood.

I would love to co-write music with:

Bokani Dyer.

#MusicExchange: Biko Mabuse

Martin Myers 24 Nov 2021

Where do you go for inspiration to create?

Through practice, sound from within and when I listen to music from my predecessors.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

When the music that I write is complete and when I get inspired.

The song you must do in every show:

None in particular.

Any funny moments on stage?

When my mute fell off from the trumpet on the floor in front of the audience during a ballad. It triggered massive laughter.

My heroes are:

My mother, my grandparents and my unsung music teachers.

My style icon:

Lee Morgan.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

Wynton Marsalis, because of his seriousness and hard work.

What is your most treasured possession?

My trumpets.

It’s your round. What are you drinking?

A glass of good dry red.

Dream gig to do:

At The Bird’s Eye in Basel, Switzerland with David Virelles (Cuban pianist).

What makes you stand out?

My sound.

Nicknames:

Feya.

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

I would be a lawyer.

Who would play you in a Hollywood blockbuster and why?

Denzel Washington, one of the best actors.

Pick five words to describe yourself:

Humility, purpose, sharing, teaching and understanding.

Five favourite SA albums:

Intlupheko - Soul Jazzmen
Springs - Chris Schilder
Yakhal' Inkomo - Winston Mankhunku
Amabutho - Heshool Beshoo
I Remember Nick - Soul Giants