The jazz saxophonist McCoy Mrubata will perform in the beautiful, intimate Miriam Makeba Concert Hall at Unisa on Thursday 4 September at 19:30.
McCoy Mrubata was born in Cape Town and grew up with the sounds of African music: the soulful hymns of the Zion Church, the chants and rhythms of traditional healers and the brassy jive of the Merry Macs band who rehearsed opposite his home. He plays tenor, soprano and alto saxophone, in addition to flute.
By 1979 he had started playing professionally with a group. After some difficulties he began a successful career in the United Kingdom in 1988 and later worked with the renowned saxophonist Hugh Masekela.
In 1989 Mrubata formed Brotherhood, which included guitarist Jimmy Dludlu, pianist Nhlanhla Magagula and Lucas Khumalo.
In 1990 the band won the Gilbey's Music for Africa prize.
Since then he has had a number of successes and in 2003 he won the South African Music Award in the Traditional Jazz category.
McCoy has collaborated with a dazzling array of South African jazz players, and with overseas artists such as Airto Moreira and Flora Purim.
He will be joined on stage by Lwanda Gogwana on trumpet, pianist Luyanda Madope, bassist Sakhile Nkosi and drummer Bernice Boikanyo.
The hall is located on the Unisa Muckleneuk campus. Ample free parking is available.
Tickets are sold only at the door for R95 (adults) and R75 (students and pensioners).
Contact Alet Joubert at the Unisa Music Foundation for further information:
www.unisa.ac.za/musicfoundation