Lesetja Malope
Local jazz duo Gilbert Malotane and Rupert Harris of Straight Ahead jazz band have been making people move on the dance floors for over two decades and they are showing no signs of stopping.
The two started off as part of a six-piece multiracial band in 1988 and when the group disbanded three years later, Harris and Malotane stayed together
"Before the split Gilbert and I were already experimenting on the side as a duo so we just continued together," said Harris, a master pianist and keyboardist who also used to play trombone and trumpet until an accident hurt his mouth.
Though in the mid 90’s Pieter Smit, a guitarist, joined them, it was only for a few years until he had to take a job in Taiwan but they occasionally have a guest vocalist in some of their performances.
The group is rated among one of the few bands still playing pure jazz in the country and have shared a stage with the likes of Hugh Masekela, Jonas Ngwangwa, Joe Mafela and Tshepo Tshola.
They have also performed for former State President Thabo Mbeki, several Ministers, played at the African National Congress’ (ANC) National Conference’s opening gala dinner at Turfloop and have even been to Holland for a three week tour.
Though the group always maintains its identity, they also play some township jazz, fusion and kwela music.
"One of the most memorable performances has to be at the first Mapungubwe Festival, we shared the stage with the biggest names in the country and we held our own," said saxophonist Malotane, who also teaches music to a group of kids in Bloodriver where he resides.
While he is not on stage making his fingers dance on the piano and audiences’ feet on the dance floor, Harris keeps busy by being a travel and tour guide in his business, Amberveld Safari and Tours.
Having been together for such a long time as a multiracial band, they have come across some unpleasant racist experiences and even been sabotaged but that has never deterred them from moving straight ahead because they know that the blues they play knows no colour.