Khaya Dlamini: The Saxophonist Keeping Township Jazz Alive

Woodwind maestro Khaya Dlamini has turned his late father’s passion and discipline into a powerful musical journey that continues to inspire everyone who hears him play. The 64-year-old saxophonist, known for his timeless township jazz hits such as Utshwala, Umkhumbane, and Bakumane, remains a symbol of dedication and perseverance in South Africa’s music industry. His hit Utshwala even earned a nomination at the South African Music Awards (SAMA) in the Afro Jazz category, cementing his place among the nation’s finest.

Khaya, who hails from KwaMashu in KwaZulu-Natal, recently reached another milestone when he received the Woodwinds Award at the Backing Vocalist and Session Musicians (BVSM) Awards. The event took place at the State Theatre in Tshwane on Sunday, 26 October, and celebrated South Africa’s often-overlooked session artists. For Khaya, the recognition is more than a trophy; it represents a lifetime of hard work and the legacy of a family deeply rooted in music.

He often reflects on his early years and how his upbringing shaped his musical path. “I grew up in a musical home. My mother was a teacher but also a singer. My uncles played guitars, and my father was a saxophonist. So, music was part of our everyday life,” he shared. From a young age, Khaya was surrounded by rhythm and melody, learning that music was not just entertainment but a way of life.

He recalled helping his father prepare for gigs, a memory that remains vivid decades later. “Before his band arrived, my job was to set up the instruments. I knew exactly where the drums, double bass, and microphones went. When the band got there, everything was ready,” he said. Those moments taught him discipline, responsibility, and respect for the craft, values that have guided him throughout his career.

Khaya’s bond with his father went beyond the stage. He often joined him in the township, where his father took photos while Khaya carried his saxophone. “He’d ask me to set it up, start playing, and we’d always leave that place with money,” he said with a smile. That experience sparked his lifelong passion for performance and the belief that music could be both a calling and a livelihood.

Over the years, Khaya has collaborated with many of South Africa’s musical greats, including Jimmy Dludlu, Stimela, Sipho Gumede, Hugh Masekela, Mandla Masuku, TKZee, African Jazz Pioneers, and Bayete. His career has taken him to major venues across the country, from Moses Mabhida Stadium and Soccer City to Durban Beachfront, KwaMashu Station, Lindelani, and Avoca Hills. During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he performed for thousands, sharing his soulful sound with both local and international audiences.

Outside of music, Khaya is a devoted father of four children. Though he experienced heartbreak after losing one of his daughters, who was a pianist, he finds solace in knowing that his love for music continues through his son, Lungelo, who plays both the saxophone and guitar. While Lungelo does not perform full-time, Khaya takes pride in knowing that the family tradition lives on.

Through every challenge and triumph, Khaya Dlamini remains deeply committed to his art. “Music saved me and continues to guide me. I’ll keep playing as long as I can breathe,” he said. His words echo the resilience of a man who has dedicated his life to jazz, carrying the torch of his father’s legacy while inspiring a new generation of musicians to follow their rhythm and never stop playing.