In association with Concerts SA, legendary South African musician, bass player and songwriter Lucas Senyatso completes his 2017 national tour, in anticipation of his upcoming second album. After successful shows in October in Johannesburg and Cape Town’s finest jazz clubs, Senyatso heads to Durban for one special show.
On 14th December, Senyatso will be at The Jazzy Rainbow commanding a luxury quartet comprising himself on electric bass, Dalisu Ndlazi on double bass, Sbu Zondi on drums, and award-winning producer Nduduzo Makhathini on piano.
Recognised as one of the top jazz and hardest-working musicians in the country, Lucas Senyatso was born in 1972 in Mafikeng (North West Province). He enrolled with Mmabana Mmabatho as a bass guitar student in 1986 and four years later he joined local band Shine, playing with them for seven years. Then, Senyatso explains, his life changed in 1998.
“I received a call from the legendary Hugh Masekela, to join his band on a full time basis. I immediately flew to the USA and Europe for a tour. Every three to six months we were out of the country performing overseas. Countries and cities toured are too many to mention. That was the beginning of bigger things. In no time, word of mouth spread all over Johannesburg about the new bassist in town. Suddenly my phone was ringing all the time, as all the big stars in the South African music industry wanted to work with me.”
Stars like Sibongile Khumalo, Themba Mkhize, Gloria Bosman, Judith Sephuma, Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu, Rene, Sophie Mcqina, Mara Louw, Siphokazi, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Stimela, Khaya Mahlangu, Andile Yenana, Selaelo Selota, Ringo Madlingozi, Patty Austin (USA), Keiko Matsui (Japan) have used his services as a studio session musician, live performer and songwriter.
In 2006 Senyatso released his debut album, All of Me (EMI Records). The album received two SAMA nominations, and the single Baby You was number 1 on Kaya FM’s Top 30 for over two months. In 2007 Senyatso recorded and toured Japan with Keiko Matsui with her Moyo project.
As an accomplished song writer, producer, bassist, musical director, Lucas Senyatso decided to go back home after spending 15 years in Johannesburg, to give back to his community by teaching bass guitar: “It is my responsibility to give back to my community, and also to the institution that made me who I am today. I am very excited to be part of the teaching staff at Mmabana Mahikeng”,
In recent years, Senyatso has continued to write and produce music for other artists, having written songs lately for Thembisile and Siphokazi, and performed with Ken Philmore (Trinidad) at the latest edition of the Joy of Jazz Festival in Sandton.
Lucas Senyatso’s tour is supported by Concerts SA through the Music Mobility Fund, a funding mechanism which offers opportunities for South African musicians to undertake live music tours.
Artist Links
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCdOVwmQCgWVCS-H2FzL0qlw
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lucas.senyatso.5
Spotify: www.open.spotify.com/album/0RH5rEwlwtFFOXOqRCG2Dy
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lucas-senyatso-930b0717
Hashtags: #MobilityFund #LucasSenyatso
Events Listing
Durban – The Jazzy Rainbow
Thursday 14th December – 8pm – R 100 (includes 1 drink)
Address: 93 Smiso Nkwanyana Rd, Morningside, Durban
Bookings: 031 303 8398 / jazzyrainbow@mweb.co.za
