Ekurhuleni resident gifts father of late jazz artist with musical equipment

On September 29, Norkem Park resident Jakes Lawrence presented musical equipment to Jerry Molelekwa, the father of Thembisa Jazz star Moses Molelekwa.

The presentation took place at the offices of the Moses Molelekwa Arts Foundation in Thembisa.

The Lawrence brothers built up the collection of instruments over a long period of time by buying them from other countries.

Two gold-plated Getzen trumpets, an antique Boyes & Hawkes trumpet from 1934, a Hamaha cornet trumpet, three soprano recorders, two alto recorders and three sopranino recorders were among the expensive instruments.

Jakes Lawrence has a musical background in his family.

“My brother was a music teacher in drums, piano, saxophone. I started my musical career at FUBA in Johannesburg with legends like Barney Rachabane with Sipho Sephamla as the director of the institution.

They always visited the open markets on Saturdays as well as Dorkey House to listen to older guys playing jazz and the interest and passion grew from these experiences.

He further enrolled at the Royal School of Music and they would play at Bruma Lake and later form a band to play at parties and informal gigs.

“These instruments are part of our lives and are our most precious possession.

“We were attached to them and felt it was appropriate to hand them over to the Molelekwa School of Music Foundation to be used to teach the young people of Thembisa and further develop an interest in the art of music. and jazz,” Jakes said. .

“The school will be able to reach more children. We have also received the trumpet from South African Jazz Maestro Hugh Masekela and we hope this will create an opportunity to develop other world renowned trumpeters from the School of Music.

“The Arts Foundation will now be able to pursue its vision of developing the youth and music industry in Thembisa and the country,” said Molelekwa.

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