Tumi Mogorosi to Honour Kippie Moeketsi at 23rd Cape Town International Jazz Festival
Tumi Mogorosi will take to the stage at the 23rd Cape Town International Jazz Festival as part of a tribute project celebrating the legacy of jazz pioneer Kippie Moeketsi. The performance, titled “Revolutionary with a Reed,” positions Mogorosi at the centre of an ensemble that reinterprets Moeketsi’s music while reflecting on his enduring influence. Scheduled for the Rosies Stage, Mogorosi will be joined by saxophonist Muhammad Dawjee and bassist Nhlanhla Neville Radebe, creating a lineup that balances virtuosity with thoughtful arrangement. The project highlights Mogorosi’s approach to music, which blends improvisation, spirituality, and political awareness, demonstrating how these elements continue to inform his artistry. Audiences can expect a performance that bridges the historical significance of Moeketsi’s work with contemporary creative dialogue.
The tribute does not attempt to replicate Moeketsi’s sound in a fixed form. Instead, Mogorosi and his collaborators treat the saxophonist’s songbook as a living archive, exploring its possibilities through new arrangements that open space for dialogue between past and present. Khaya Mahlangu contributed to several of the arrangements, allowing the ensemble to reinterpret Moeketsi’s compositions with fresh perspectives while maintaining a deep respect for their origins. Mogorosi describes the performance as grounded in memory and reinterpretation, emphasizing both homage and creative engagement. The set is designed to honour the social and political context that shaped Moeketsi as a modernist figure, linking musical lineage with broader reflections on composition and cultural history.
As drummer and bandleader, Mogorosi brings a unique vantage point to the ensemble. Positioned behind the drum kit, he is able to observe the full musical landscape, from the low end to the mids and highs, guiding the group without imposing hierarchical control. His focus is on creating conditions that allow each musician to realise their individual vision while contributing to the collective sound. Mogorosi’s leadership philosophy prioritizes collaboration and shared responsibility, ensuring that the ensemble functions as a unified yet flexible entity. This approach highlights the centrality of collective expression in his music, where freedom emerges through interaction rather than individual domination.
The performance explores the ethical and musical dimensions of shared space. Mogorosi emphasises that music is not a solo pursuit but a dialogue between musicians who actively listen and respond to one another. This collective approach informs both the structure of the performance and the improvisational choices made during the set. Each member of the ensemble is given the opportunity to contribute fully, creating moments that are spontaneous yet grounded in a shared understanding of the music’s intent. This philosophy of mutual engagement aligns with Moeketsi’s legacy, reflecting the social and political consciousness that shaped his work and continues to resonate in contemporary jazz practice.
“Revolutionary with a Reed” promises to be a performance that combines historical reverence with contemporary innovation. Mogorosi’s role as both drummer and bandleader allows him to shape the ensemble’s sound while fostering an environment where creativity thrives collectively. The tribute underscores the enduring significance of Kippie Moeketsi’s contributions to South African jazz, demonstrating how his compositions continue to inspire and evolve through modern interpretation. Audiences can expect a set that is reflective, dynamic, and rooted in the principles of collaboration and improvisation. Mogorosi’s performance highlights the intersection of tradition and innovation, offering a compelling celebration of jazz as both an art form and a living, evolving practice.
