Tenor saxophonist Winston Mankuku is South-Africa’s greatest jazz legend. As a trend-setter and renowned composer this man from Capetown, with his soulful township-jazz, has been both a role-model for many and one of the musical leaders of the country. He is considered to be the first man who first combined ‘boeremusiek’ with ‘mbaqaqanga’. Mankuku was one of the few musicians who stayed in the motherland during Apartheid, a decision that wasn’t without consequences. Legend has it that once, in order to hide his racial identity in a white big band, he performed, hidden from view, behind a curtain. In spite of all that the musician has always remained faithful to his country. His solidarity with the country and the local music is intense. He represents the spiritual integrity of South-African jazz and forms the most vital link between Afro and American jazz styles.
