Led by the music, a Midrand saxophonist is reviving the spirit of jazz.
Last year Simon Nyivana won a spot in the eight-member Emirates Pursuit of Jazz Bands competition which aims to highlight South African talent internationally. Nyivana said that he did not think he was going win but remains grateful. “I think what got me through the competition was dedication and being happy to work with other people and actually be involved in the competition.”
Nyivana has been exposed to music from a young age. He was nine years old when he started learning how to play instruments through his brother at church and that was when he fell in love with the saxophone.
He said consistency is part of what keeps him on top of his game. “Getting inspiration from the older and younger musicians and being able to play the instrument has kept me above my game… I also think discipline has played a big part as it is very important because we are in an industry where musicians, especially jazz musicians, have never had a good reputation.
“The people who have kept the standards are into bad habits a lot of the time and now, because time is evolving, health is key. One has to pursue their career in a very efficient manner, so that the coming generation can actually learn from our generation and take the good habits going forward.”
Talking about his passion and choosing to strictly focus on music, Nyivana explained that he has had to be rebellious in the sense that he always made it clear that he wants to do music. “If I was not allowed a chance to do what I love, I believe nothing would have worked out and also because one only has this life to actually do what they love. That is what has kept me going, regardless of what people said.”
When he becomes discouraged or starts to believe he should ‘go find a job and stop trying’, music brings him back to his ‘true self’. “The genre [jazz] is somehow liberating, as it kind of hits my mind in a more distinct manner. I become my true self and honest every time when I get in front of people – [it is like being] naked in a way, people can see who I am, which is a very big thing for me.”
Nyivana encouraged people to follow their passion, “The heart wants what it wants, you cannot argue with the heart or else your dreams will keep haunting you at the end of the day.”
Details: For more information, contact June Hlongwane from Clockwork Media SA at 011 463 0366.
ALSO READ:Beaulieu College learners show their artistic side
