The South African jazz scene has grown tremendously since its first bebop jazz band was formed in the 1950s. In addition to other genres at that time, jazz was an anti-apartheid tool used to comment on the plight of the young black South African. Over 70 years later, jazz still captures the spirit and heart of the young black South African. We truly owe the inheritance of such a healthy jazz scene to the giants who paved a smooth path for us to tread.
Jazz giants like Jonas Gwangwa and Hugh Masekela would be proud to see their trail blazed by passionate up-and-comers like Bokang Ramatlapeng. She is a vocalist, songwriter, a South African Jazz and Health Alliance alumni, and the winner of the Best Jazz song at the Mzantsi Jazz Awards. We spoke to Bokang about her award-winning song, her artistic influences, and the collaborations she hopes for in the near future.
Tell me about who Bokang Ramatlapeng is, and what your background is.
Growing up in Naturena (Johannesburg South) introduced me to sports, but at the same time, I couldn’t deny the inevitable birth of Bokang the vocalist. When music came into my life in grade 7, I never looked back. My intelligence, sense of humor, and love for the creative/performing arts satisfied my need to stand out as the last born of 4 siblings. After my mother passed away, being a child with no parents was my normal. However, when my older sisters stepped up to take care of us, it allowed me to find and fall in love with music as an art form.
What artistic movements have influenced your work and style?
Gospel was the first form of music that I actually sang. My primary school was a Christian School, so we would sing and perform at assemblies, and the music style was gospel. I was introduced to jazz and popular music in grade 8 at the National School of the Arts. This is where I met Omagugu Makhathini, who taught me the whole science about singing.
My stint at an African music academy called Phela Re Phele Musical Arts Academy began shaping my sound. There’s little documentation of African music. This made me wonder what fusing my gospel upbringing and African pride with jazz music’s beauty would sound like.
My studies at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), which I did not finish, grew me into the business of music. I learned how to work with band members, read music, and mimic skillfully. So, from Bokang Ramatlapeng, you can expect to hear African, jazz, and gospel influences. This grounds who I am.
The late great Hugh Masekela once said that he doesn’t think musicians ever think about making a statement when they pursue music. Rather, they do it because they love it. Do you feel that way about music, especially jazz?
Ntate Hugh explained it beautifully. As a musician, I am simply doing what my heart desires. Once I discovered how good I was, my consistency evolved into the need to perfect the art form. My love of jazz music is not how I am making a statement. However, singing, talking, and advocating for jazz as a lifestyle is the way to go.
Your 2022 single, Bana Ba Nthabiseng, won the award for Best Jazz Song at the 7th Mzantsi Jazz Awards. Tell me about the process of creating this beautiful work of art.
My mom’s name was Nthabiseng. After she passed on, I didn’t know a lot of young people who were raised by their siblings. While my friends spoke about their parents, I would always mention that my sisters would pick me up from school, or that my sisters love me, and that my sisters would take care of me. I needed to thank them and show my gratitude for their sacrifices, and I believe that this song is a fitting tribute from my heart. My creative process for Bana Ba Nthabiseng centres around giving thanks to older siblings who, unfortunately, had to step in and raise the younger siblings. I haven’t heard of a song dedicated to older siblings yet, and that is what I want Bana Ba Nthabiseng to be.
Which 2 South African jazz musicians (dead or alive) would you love to collaborate with and why?
I’d love to collaborate on an album, specifically with Nduduzo Makhathini. I think he’s an amazing pianist, and it’d be so, so amazing for me to actually have an album with him. He possesses a great sonic understanding of jazz elements, which he uses brilliantly to tell our stories authentically.
Also, I’d love to collaborate with Bokani Dyer. He’s also an amazing pianist. I believe he also has beautiful ideas about what young people are trying to say through their music.
Oh, wow, and I hope I can add a last, last one: Zoe Modiga. Everybody just knows that I love, love, love her.
The world is more open than it’s ever been. Artists are getting opportunities to perform on all kinds of stages around the world. What are the top 3 festival stages that you’d love to bless with your presence?
My goodness. I’d love, love to be at the North Sea Jazz Festival. I think it would be great for me, as a young South African jazz musician, to find myself on those world stages. I’d love to perform at the Joy of Jazz Festival. I’d love to perform on home ground and really say thank you to the people who listen to my music. The last one is the Blue Note Jazz Festival. I would love to be a headliner representing South African jazz and the continent.
In your Instagram post about Miriam Makeba, Busi Mhlongo, Zoë Modiga, and Thandiswa Mazwai, you mentioned hoping to “join this lineage of women” one day. Do you consider them the blueprint for your artistic aspirations?
Miriam Makeba, Zoë Modiga, Busi Mhlongo, and Thandiswa Mazwai represent what South African vocalists can achieve if they accept themselves. Mam’ Miriam was probably the first South African musician to place Nguni music in European ears. She was the blueprint for us, and in many ways, she still is. Busi Mhlongo carried that torch and used it to her advantage to be cheeky and insist that we can also be loud and proud.
Zoë Modiga and Thandiswa Mazwai take elements from these ladies and carry the baton in their own unique way. Zoë is sophisticated but can also be a rebel who colours outside of the lines, which I love. These ladies are absolutely who I aspire to be. It would be an honour to put Sotho music on the map with the same slowness and boldness as they have.
The music industry would be nothing without a network of supportive collaborators who help us create. Which frequent collaborators do you draw the most inspiration from?
Musa Nhlapho makes continuous efforts to ensure that the Bokang Ramatlapeng you see is in a market where she can authentically make her mark. My collaboration with him helped me build the confidence to say,” This is my lane, and I am comfortable here. Meet me here.” His neo-soul, hip-hop background seemed incompatible with mine. However, it has taught me that music is a dynamic space, and taking time to learn about it helps me appreciate it more.
Being on stage with Nduduzo Makhathini, he helped me adopt a work ethic that shows that I mean business and that I want to grow. He might not be the most frequent collaborator, but he is a frequent inspiration for me and how I want to present myself on stage.
If you met 12-year-old Bokang today, what would you say to her?
I’m so proud of you. I am so, so, so proud of you. In the moments where you felt like the world would not hear you, you actually are being heard. You are never alone. You can fail and make mistakes, but still know that you’re going to be okay. Mama is so proud of you, girl. Pick yourself up every time you feel like you can’t. There is nothing wrong with you, and you’re beautiful.
Can we expect an award-winning jazz album from the award-winning musician anytime soon?
You expect a jazz album in 2024. I am preparing to release a few singles in anticipation, so be on the lookout.
Stream the award-winning jazz song ‘Bana Ba Nthabiseng’ now on all streaming platforms.
