Feya Faku
Fezile "Feya" Faku | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Fezile Faku |
| Born | 6 June 1962 New Brighton, Eastern Cape |
| Died | 23 June 2025 (aged 63) Basel, Switzerland |
| Instrument(s) | Trumpet, Flugelhorn |
Fezile "Feya" Faku (6 June 1962 – 23 June 2025) was a South African trumpeter and flugelhornist. Recognized for his contributions to jazz, Faku built a significant international presence, collaborating with prominent musicians and participating in prestigious festivals worldwide.[1][2]
Early years and career
Faku was born in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth.[3] His early musical talent was encouraged by South African jazz musicians such as Patrick Pasha, Dudley Tito and Whitey Kulumani, who mentored Faku. He then went to study at the University of Natal in Durban, where Darius Brubeck had established the country’s first school of jazz and popular music in the early 1980s. Recognising the nascent talent of Faku and three other new students, and their unofficial student status, Brubeck and his wife Catherine allowed all four to stay in their house, despite the strictures of apartheid.[3] In the 1990s, he joined various local jazz ensembles and his exceptional talent quickly garnered attention, leading to collaborations with South African jazz legends like Abdullah Ibrahim, Bheki Mseleku, and Zim Ngqawana.[4][5]
Faku died in Basel, Switzerland, on 23 June 2025, at the age of 63.[6] He was due to perform at the Bird’s Eye Club there.[3]
References
- ^ "Feya Faku 2011". Nelson Mandela University. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
- ^ Africa, Keshia (27 February 2022). "Feya Faku makes a comeback with double album launch". IOL. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
- ^ a b c Scotney, Sebastian (30 June 2025). "Tributes to Fezile "Feya" Faku (1962-2025) - UK Jazz News". Retrieved 2 July 2025.
- ^ Sikwebu, Dinga (27 February 2022). "The return of a generous heart, Feya Faku". TimesLIVE. Sunday Times. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
- ^ "Cover story: Feya Faku: A long way from New Brighton". News24. City Press. 21 January 2006. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
- ^ Legendary trumpeter passes away oorkant