And All That Jazz!

The week of April 16th was one of music!  On Monday, our South African Music class took a trip to the home of Dudley Tito.  He is one of the original members of Soul Jazz Men, a township jazz group that was quite famous during the 1970s.  In fact, they won an international competition in Durban, South Africa, that included as its first place prize a round trip to New York City and a recording contract.  But, it was during Apartheid, and "somehow" the second place winner was awarded the trip.

Listening outside Dorkay House

Also during Apartheid under the pass laws, being a musician was not considered a job that counted in order to be granted permission to be in a white area.  In other words, the only way Dudley and his band could play in white areas was to have other day jobs there, and stay late.  So, they were gardeners and laborers, etc., but they did play in front of mixed-color audiences.

Now, Dudley plays and teaches music informally to others in the township.  We listened to his band in the small hut called a Dorkay House behind his tiny township home in New Brighton.  The hut was so small that - other than the band - only one person could go inside at a time.  But when you did, the sound was mind-blowing.  

Dudley Tito

Linda, the vocalist

Dudley plays sax.  He was accompanied by another sax player, a keyboardist, drummer, and a vocalist named Linda, who had an incredible voice.   We took turns going inside to listen.  The others outside the hut gradually drew the interest of neighborhood kids who came in to dance with them.  Quite the experience! 

A conga line formed

But, the week wasn’t over.  On Thursday night, the Opera House in town had a township jazz night.  Not knowing the bands at all, Jim and I thought it would be fun to go.  The venue was set up cabaret style, with small tables and a cash bar.  We arrived at six o’clock as that is when the flyer said it would start.  There were about six people there, including two other white people from Holland.  Jim and I started talking with them.  We sat and chatted until 7:00 when about 150 people showed up, and the music started.  (Apparently they knew something we didn’t know.)  The four of us ended up being the only white people there.  I loved the whole experience, especially being part of an audience that vocally and physically showed their appreciation.  Singing along, hand clapping, and dancing was part of it all.  

The performers were two female singers whose voices harmonized perfectly.  They were backed up by a combo of instruments and three singers.  At one point in the show the two lead singers decided that they needed a few back up dancers.  They each went out into the audience to pick out someone.  The first one picked a woman, and took her on stage.  The second one started asking people to shift, moved some chairs and tables out of the way, and made a beeline towards …. Me!  (“Of course,” Jim says)! 

So, I got to go on stage and dance for the rest of the number.  I’m sure I danced the twist more than any other style, until the lead singer and I did some swing together.   I was caught up in the moment.  Jim said the crowd was really cheering!