SAMA nominated drummer Tumi Mogorosi and jazz vocalist Gabisile Motuba have teamed up to create a project that encompasses their unique approach to jazz, which they have titled Sanctum Sanctorium. This is the first album that the married couple has worked on together, it also features some global collaborators too!
We caught up with the duo that forms Sanctum Sanctorium to find out what we can expect from their upcoming performances and album:
What led you to fall in love with Jazz music?
Gabi: My love of music began at an early age with my father playing his jazz albums on Sundays. It was a family ritual. That’s how I discovered Miles Davis and Abdullah Ibrahim.
Tumi: My love of music began at home and within the community of jazz. Listening to the teachings of Herbie Tsoaeli, Andile Yenana and Feya Faku shaped my love for the genre.
Married and working together, how did it all start?
Gabi: Tumi and I have been working together since his debut album Project Elo, where he had asked me to co-write and sing on the track Thokozile Queen Mother. I have always been very fascinated with his drumming and his approach to music as a whole.
Tumi: I have always been interested in Gabi’s approach which is a very melodic intensity which is contrasted by an innocence not associated with intensity, so I would imagine when combined with the way I see drumming it can take on a dynamic form.
How would you describe the album Sanctum Sanctorium?
Sanctum Sanctorium is speaking to the ‘holy or sacred’ ground which music and art allows. It also refers to our own personal space where we are allowed to create freely and honestly. Sanctum Sanctorium is a name that best describes, what we thought, is the mood in which premises the state of consciousness that opens possibilities of reaching new heights of the creative outpour. It’s a sacred space of sorts.
What can people expect from your concerts over the next few days?
People can expect a very intimate and sombre setting for the music. The music is very sensitive and peaceful and allows one to really reflect. Our band will consist of: Tumi Mogorosi on drums, Gabi Motuba on vocals, Malcolm Braff on piano, Keenan Ahrends on guitar and Sebastian Schuster on the bass.
Who are you currently listening to?
Gabi: Susanna Baca, Concha Buika and Kendrick Lamar
Tumi: Terrence Blanchard, Phillip Tabane and Susanna Bacca
You can catch Sanctum Sanctorium in concert this weekend at the following venues:
Thursday, 17th November 2016 – Miriam Makeba Auditorium/Concert hall, UNISA, Pretoria – R150
Friday, 18th November 2016 – Music Room, 8th Floor, WITS University, Johannesburg – R150
Saturday, 19th November 2016 – The Chairman, Durban – R150
Tickets for these performances can be purchased here.