Mohlabane is a young man on a mission

SHARPEVILLE.-  Thabo Mohlabane (20) is a young man on a mission to make a name for himself through jazz music.

This Afro Jabba Jazz Band trumpeter blew the jazz lover’s mind out with his trumpet during the recent Vaal Echoes of Love Charity Jazz Festival held in Sharpeville. In an exclusive interview with Sedibeng Ster, Mohlabane said that he started to play trumpet at his church before he joined the Afro Jabb Jazz  Band as a trumpeter. He said that he started playing at church and later he bought his own trumpet.

One of the jazz icons who played trumpet that inspired Mohlabane is the late Hugh “Bra Hugh” Masekela. Mohlabane said it was his wish to share the stage with “Bra Hugh” but this was not to be.

“It was my dream as a young trumpeter to share the stage with icons like Bra Hugh Masekela. He was one of the people that inspired me to play this instrument and love jazz music. Like I told you, my journey started when I was in church playing trumpet, and when I bought my own I had enough chance to practice.

“I really enjoy playing with these experienced Afro Jabb Jazz Band musicians because I learn a lot from them, not only playing trumpet but also about music. I want to be a legend and follow in the footsteps of Bra Hugh. May his soul rest in peace and it was unfortunate that he left this world before I could share the stage with him,” he said.

Mohlabane told Sedibeng Ster that his dream is to travel the world and share the stage with big names. He added that, like any boy who grew up in the township he could have played soccer but he chose the music path. Despite being part of the Afro Jabb Jazz Band, Mohlabane said he is still at college studying Welding.