Latest news with #Faku
The Herald
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald
Nelson Mandela Bay says goodbye to jazz legend Feya Faku
The Swiss Jazz Exchange Programme's Veit Art said he had worked with Faku for more than 20 years and saw him as a brother. Faku's career was interrupted in 2019 when he developed Bell's palsy, a sudden weakness in the muscles on half of one's face. Art organised a residency in Switzerland for Faku. He provided accommodation for his stay and supported him until he got better. Art explained how they had come to learn that Faku had died while they were on tour in Basel. 'Feya arrived on Friday morning,' he said. 'We were relaxed, we had pizza, talking about friendships, life, then it was two days of intensive rehearsals. 'On Monday, he did not wake up. 'Right after lunch, I went to check on him. 'That was when we found him on his bed; he had passed away in his sleep. 'It was a surreal moment, as sad as it was, but we found him at his best, happy.' Acclaimed pianist Andile Yenana, originally from Qonce and a longtime friend of Faku since their days at what is now the Durban University of Technology, described him as not only a gifted musician, but also a thoughtful composer — someone who could write, articulate and explain every note he chose and the role it played within a piece. The Herald
IOL News
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Farewell to a jazz legend: Feya Faku's memorial and funeral services confirmed
The dates for Feya Faku's memorial and funeral services have been announced by his family, offering an opportunity for fans and loved ones to bid their final farewells to the musician. Image: Feya Faku Facebook The South African music community is in mourning following the untimely passing of legendary trumpeter and composer Fezile 'Feya' Faku, who died at the age of 63 on Monday, June 23. The dates for Feya Faku's memorial and funeral services have been announced by his family, offering an opportunity for fans and loved ones to bid their final farewells to the musician. Faku passed away while on tour in Basel, Switzerland, where he was supporting accomplished South African jazz pianist Paul Hanmer. A representative confirmed that Faku died in his sleep, although the cause of death remains undisclosed. The news has left a profound sense of sorrow among his friends, family and fans, many of whom were moved by his passion for music and his contributions to the jazz genre. Memorial and funeral service details Faku's services will be held as follows: Memorial service: Thursday, July 3, at Nangoza Jebe Hall (ex-Great Centenary Hall), New Brighton, Gqeberha, at 3pm. Funeral service: Saturday, July 5, at Nelson Mandela Stadium Precinct, Gqeberha, at 9am. Jam session: Saturday, July 5, at Nangoza Jebe Hall, New Brighton, Gqeberha, at 5pm. Memorial service in Johannesburg: Friday, July 25, at 2pm. The venue is yet to be announced. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Born in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, Faku embarked on a musical journey later in life, crafting his unique sound through the guidance of local musicians, many of whom were saxophonists. His passion led him to enrol at the University of Natal in 1988, where he studied music with financial support from the National Association of Democratic Lawyers (NADEL). Mentored by the renowned Darius Brubeck, he graduated with a diploma in Jazz Studies in 1992, marking the beginning of an illustrious career. Faku found his artistic voice in Durban, collaborating with numerous celebrated South African artists, including Winston Mankunku Ngozi, Thandie Klaasen, Pat Matshikiza and Barney Rachabane. He performed alongside jazz legends such as Abdullah Ibrahim, Bheki Mseleku, Zim Ngqawana, Hugh Masekela and Kenny Garrett, whose influences further solidified his legacy as a master trumpeter. Tributes have poured in from across the country, with ActionSA publicly offering condolences to Faku's family, recognising him as a "positive ambassador" for SA's cultural exports. "We hope that the legacy Faku leaves behind will serve as a lasting reminder of the pact we agreed on, at the dawn of our democracy, to always build together," the organisation stated.
Eyewitness News
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Eyewitness News
'A tragedy for the jazz community': Legendary SA trumpeter Feya Faku dies on tour in Switzerland
Tributes are pouring in for Feya Faku after the legendary South African jazz musician died on Monday while on tour in Switzerland. The trumpeter and flugelhornist was just 63 years old. Born in the Eastern Cape, Faku had built up an international reputation. He is being remembered as the 'gentle giant' of African jazz. A statement from the Faku family confirmed the musician's death, saying he had 'peacefully passed away in his sleep' in the Swiss city, Basel. Jazz show host Nothemba Madumo recalls the fond memories she has of the last time she saw Faku, which was two months ago in April at the International Jazz Day celebration hosted by 702.
The Citizen
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Jazz legend Feya Faku dies while on tour in Switzerland
Tributes are pouring in for the legendary musician. Renowned South African jazz trumpeter and flugelhornist Fezile 'Feya' Faku has reportedly passed away. Faku died on Monday at the age of 63 while on tour in Basel, Switzerland, according to Daily Sun. After he reportedly missed rehearsals on Monday morning, his colleagues went to check on him and found that he had passed away. Tributes have been pouring in on social media from fans and fellow artists, including Thandiswa Mazwai and Kenyan jazz musician and composer Christine Kamau. Farewell Feya Faku🎺💔 South African Trumpet/Flugelhorn player was a gentle giant of African Jazz music. He was also a forerunner in Swiss/South African jazz music collaborations, glad I got to watch him live at Moods Club in Zurich '23 after many years of listening to his music June 24, 2025 Faku was born on 6 June 1962 in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth. He became a respected figure in South African jazz, known for blending traditional jazz with African sounds. Throughout his career, he recorded and performed internationally, collaborating with some of the greats of South African jazz, including Abdullah Ibrahim, Bheki Mseleku and Zim Ngqawana. ALSO READ: Tributes pour in for sports broadcaster Phumlani Msibi Faku's heartfelt tribute to Louis Moholo Just a few days ago, Faku posted a heartfelt tribute to fellow musician and legendary jazz drummer Louis Moholo. Moholo passed away on Friday, 13 June, after a long illness. He was 85. 'Happy moments shared with the great Master. Your presence was an honour to many of us. Your departure has broken me,' Faku wrote on Instagram. 'Go well, Louis. You needed some rest, Maestro. Even giants must lay down their instruments one day. And when you see Rashid, please give him my love. Tell him we're still keeping the fire burning down here,' Faku added. NOW READ: From Umlazi to Joburg: Phumlani Msibi's son honours father's dream-driven journey
IOL News
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Tributes pour in for legendary jazz trumpeter and composer Feya Faku
The late Fezile 'Feya' Faku. Image: Facebook The South African music scene is in mourning following the unexpected passing of renowned trumpeter and composer Fezile 'Feya' Faku. Known affectionately as Feya Faku, he was a revered figure in jazz circles, leaving behind a legacy that has profoundly influenced his peers and aspiring musicians alike. Faku's death on Monday, June 23, at the age of 63, has sent shockwaves through the industry, and tributes have begun pouring in across various platforms. A representative managing Faku's social media confirmed the news to Independent Media Lifestyle, reporting that the musician had tragically died in his sleep while in Basel, Switzerland, where he was supporting South African jazz pianist Paul Hanmer during a tour. Born in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, Faku embarked on his musical journey later in life. Lacking formal training, he learned to play the trumpet with guidance from various local musicians, many of whom were saxophonists. This diverse coaching contributed to his distinctive playing style, setting him apart in the crowded field of jazz. In 1988, Faku enrolled at the University of Natal, studying music with financial support from the National Association of Democratic Lawyers (NADEL). Under the mentorship of the esteemed musician Darius Brubeck, he graduated with a diploma in Jazz Studies in 1992, marking the start of his illustrious career. Faku's artistic prowess blossomed in Durban, where he collaborated with celebrated South African artists including Winston Mankunku Ngozi, Thandie Klaasen, Pat Matshikiza and Barney Rachabane. His contribution to the jazz genre was profound, as he performed alongside legends such as Abdullah Ibrahim, Bheki Mseleku, Zim Ngqawana, Hugh Masekela, and Kenny Garrett. These collaborations not only enriched his musical journey but also solidified his reputation as a master trumpeter. The outpouring of tributes on social media underscores Faku's impact on the South African music landscape. Simon Ndlovu wrote on Facebook: 'A horn of truth. A heart of spirit. A soul steeped in the home. We mourn the passing of Mafeya 'Feya' Faku, a giant of South African jazz whose sound was as honest as it was haunting.' Ndlovu eloquently captured the essence of Faku's contribution to music, noting that each performance was not merely an act but a connection across generations and cultures. Further paying tribute, Tshiamo Tshida Mosenyi reflected on his personal experiences, recalling the joy of mixing audio for Faku: 'Such a soft-spoken gentleman who poured his soul out through the trumpet and flugelhorn.' Eugene Skeef, highlighting the significance of Faku's contributions, remarked, 'Another great South African musician has gone. May his music take us ever deeper into the beauty of being.' As tributes continue to flood in, the music community is left grappling with the void left by this influential figure. Faku's legacy, encapsulated in his works like 'Hommage' and "Le Ngoma', will continue to resonate, inspiring future generations of musicians to explore and celebrate the rich tapestry of South African jazz. This is a developing story.
