Struan Douglas
John Ntschilibilkwana is an experienced Cape musician who offers his accumulated wisdom to create opportunities for township children, hoping they’ll put their energies and abilities into music, and not the streets.
“It all started in 1976 when a pianist friend of mine said he had a problem, that where his little shop was there were some notorious kids pick-pocketing, robbing and so on,” Ntschilibilkwana says. “He wanted to take them off the street and he thought the best way to do it was to teach them music. So, we started this informal school in a little flat. Today, one of the boys, who was the most notorious, is now a top pianist in Jo’burg.”
There are many other musicians who gained their initial tutoring from this school. Members of Amampondo and saxophonist McCoy Mrubata are quick to praise the effect this training had on their craft.
Today, Ntschilibilkwana’s music school in his Langa flat may be closed, and his partner may have passed away, but his dream of teaching the youth jazz has been kept alive. And his ultimate vision, of furthering the supreme jazz format – the big band – has come to fruition.
On limited resources he conducts his musical tutoring in a panel-beating shop in Guguletu, in a communion of music stands, sax riffs, blowtorches and big banging hammers. The enthusiasm, commitment and expertise are all there. But given the near-insuperable cost of instruments, Ntschilibilkwana has had to approach associates, like JaZZaTTaC bandleader Ed Backhouse, and the corporate sponsor, Standard Bank.
A charity gig was held in Langa, showcasing Judith Sephuma and Donald Tshomela, to raise the much-needed cash. It was also an occasion at which JaZZaTTaC discarded staid tradition for something more modern and danceable. High register expert trumpeter, Ian Smith, led the band with inventive rapping, then joined trombonist Graham Beyer in a joyous and rousing duet. But the major highlight of the evening came when Ntschilibilkwana’s new educational project got on to the bandstand.
There was a truly remarkable moment when both JaZZaTTaC and the Langa Big Band were up on the stage. A moment of passion for sharing that only jazz can inspire. The guys were jamming, sharing, and loving their music. In the end, there was an imposing nine-piece line of saxophonists squeaking and shouting out, juxtaposed against the conversational muted horns – creating a sound that was retrospective, introspective and brilliant, giving air to the Langa Big Band cause.
You can catch JaZZaTTac in concert at the Baxter on September 17, or every Wednesday at the UCT club for a free rehearsal gig. To contact the Langa Big Band call (021) 638 2536