TRIBUTE TO JAZZ MAESTRO FEZILE ‘FEYA’ FAKU – HUMBLE TO THE END

Rising From The Township Dust

He was proud that he grew up in the impoverished township. It was rich in artistic and musical history and heritage.

Thus, at the age of 12 years, the young boy’s talent was discovered by wise elders. Duke Makasi. Whitey Khulumani, and others. These legends recognized the spark within him. And they would summon him from the soccer field to engage and advise on composition.

I don’t think whatever school he went to had music as a subject, let alone facilities. Thus, he unwittingly enrolled as a senior student at the University of Life. They took him under their wing, nurturing his gift and encouraging him to hone his craft. Tete Mbambisa. Shakes Mgudlwa. Winston Mankunku Ngozi. The boy, driven by passion and dedication, practiced tirelessly, pouring his heart and soul into his art.

I met him much later, probably before he even enrolled at Darius Brubeck’s School of Jazz. He came up to Johannesburg with jazz icon, Winston Mankunku Ngozi of ‘Yakhal’Inkomo fame. They were featured as a headline act at the late Bra Hugh Masekela’s jazz club, Sekunjalo (sic). It was the early 1990s and the doors of freedom and self-expression were opening up in the much-vaunted New South Africa.

A Reluctant Child Superstar

If I remember well, I did a feature profile on this youngster that was held in high esteem. Ngozi, pianist Tete Mbambisa and bassist Spencer Badu sang his praises. This seemed to overwhelm the boy. He blushed and brushed all this aside and just smiled, his eyes looking for a place to hide. I noticed a rare quality among the child …er, geniuses or future superstars: a self-effacing humility. This youngster was unassuming.

Unlike a moth, he was not attracted to the limelight. As he grew, his talent blossomed. Soon, he was offered a scholarship around 1998 and headed for the jazz school in KwaZulu-Natal. And there, he joined peers and contemporaries: Zim Ngqawana, Herbie Tsoaheli, Andile Yenana. Bra Johnny Mekoa was there, too.

In no time, he emerged as one of the most exceptional artists of his generation. He had a diplomacy in jazz.

His first break was to contribute a track to counterculture, ‘And Them‘. He was still a student.

His intimate notes, unobtrusive and soft yet powerful, were soon sought after by legends: Rhandi Klaasen, Bheki Mseleku, Abdulla Ibrahim, among others.

Working hard behind the scenes, away from the much-vaunted celebrity red carpet and the spotlight, he was working hard doing his own thing. This soon earned him international recognition that saw him increasingly spent more time in Amsterdam and later Switzerland.

Despite this growing fame, he remained humble and self-effacing, preferring to let his art speak for itself.

He dropped albums: Hommage, Tacit, The Colours They Bring, Hope & Honour. There were a lot of collabs with Dominic Egli, Jeff Siegel and Fabian Gisler among others.

A Life of Dedication

Creativity and the artist’s studio became his sanctuary. This was where he poured his emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Without any lyrics, the agony and misery of a broken marriage haunted him. They say he was thrown out of his home and became a wandering man.

He retreated into himself and only revealed his soul in his work. Those who know, know. The man felt brutalized, but he had to bottle it all in his heart, mind and soul.

Worse, he was afflicted by Bell’s Palsy, which left half his face paralyzed.

Tigers don’t cry. And this bull refused too. Yathul’Inkomo! He soldiered on.

The good was that he was a master of his craft, and his creations reflected the depth of his passion and commitment to jazz music. His art was not just a reflection of his own soul but also a window into the world that made him who he was.

He saw his role as that of a historical link between the past, present and future. He never stopped talking about those who came before him, names that are forgotten and discarded into the dustbin of history. Christopher Columbus Mra Ngcukana, Dudley Tito, Winston Ngozi, Duke Makasi, George Tyefumani.

International Acclaim

Jazz show anchors, aficionados and elite venue owners clamored to showcase his work. And jazz clubs, fans and collectors waited eagerly for new pieces.

Much as he failed from an impoverished township, his musical art transcended borders. It resonated with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. It brought invisible colours of a common humanity to all. For him, music was about love and the brotherhood of man.

Yet, despite the accolades, he remained grounded. He was the kind of artist who never sought to draw attention to himself.

I dont think he ever won an award. But this did not matter. He was focused on his jazz art.

Humility and Self-Effacement

What I observed in my interactions with him few and far in between, was his self-effacing humility was a hallmark of his character. The renowned gospel of jazz specialist writer, Sis Gwen Ansel captured his character: “He was simply a man who stood up quite self-effacing and played magnificently.”

I was convinced and aware that he never craved the spotlight, preferring to let his work take center stage. His focus was on perfecting his craft, pushing the boundaries of his art, and exploring new ways to express himself.

But when he chose to speak or engage, what came out of his mouth was sheer jazz musical wisdom and its central role in liberating the soul of a people.

Legacy

The son of New Brighton had no business to die. Not now, when his star was on the rise and his reputation and legacy growing.

And so did his impact on the art world. He was in great demand for collaboration. And it was his desire to inspire a new generation of artists. He saw his role as that of a conduit, a bridge.

I believe his work will continue to captivate audiences worldwide. And this jazz prophet will ultimately be welcomed and affirmed at home.

No doubt, he truly shunned the spotlight. But his art will remain a testament to his …er, genius.

Just like a selected few of his generation – like Zim Ngqawana – his musical art is a reflection of his dedication.

In its own way, his life and achievements are a celebration of the triumph of the human spirit.

Fezile Feya Faku’s story must serve as a reminder that true greatness is often accompanied by humility and a passion for one’s craft.

His legacy will endure, a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.

We dont need big egos who think money and fame is the be-all and end-all of music, especially jazz.

Fezile Feya Faku will be laid to rest this coming weekend 4-6 July 2025