VISITING Japanese saxophonist Sadao Watanabe, who landed in the country yesterday for the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival, loves Africa so much he is inspired to write songs.
Speaking to Sowetan from his hotel room, he revealed that his love for the continent dates back to 1970, when he first visited Kenya.
"I have been to South Africa before, having performed the first time about 20 years ago at the Market Theatre, sharing the stage with the African Jazz Pioneers on my birthday," he recalled.
"I performed again in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth about four years ago.
"I would love to perform for ordinary people, particularly in the township. I love the fact that African people are lively and vibrant.
"They sing all the time, even when they are working, and that is a great inspiration for me when I write songs, " said the man who first played the saxo at 18.
The award-winning Watanabe has performed with leading musicians in both Japan and the US, including recording an album with Bono. He studied music at Berkeley College of Music in the US.
Watanabe revealed that he has some surprises for his South African fans, most of whom have followed his music closely through the 70s and 80s.
"I want to sing a popular song in South Africa, but I would love to keep it a secret until then," he said amid laughter.
Watanabe will perform on Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown on Friday. He will share the stage with Sipho Mabuse, Oumou Sangare, Pancho Sanchez, Sadao Pu2Ma, Lalah Hathaway, Fourplay and Chris Botti.
The festival starts tomorrow and ends on Saturday.
Sadao says he loves Africa
VISITING Japanese saxophonist Sadao Watanabe, who landed in the country yesterday for the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival, loves Africa so much he is inspired to write songs.
Speaking to Sowetan from his hotel room, he revealed that his love for the continent dates back to 1970, when he first visited Kenya.
"I have been to South Africa before, having performed the first time about 20 years ago at the Market Theatre, sharing the stage with the African Jazz Pioneers on my birthday," he recalled.
"I performed again in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth about four years ago.
"I would love to perform for ordinary people, particularly in the township. I love the fact that African people are lively and vibrant.
"They sing all the time, even when they are working, and that is a great inspiration for me when I write songs, " said the man who first played the saxo at 18.
The award-winning Watanabe has performed with leading musicians in both Japan and the US, including recording an album with Bono. He studied music at Berkeley College of Music in the US.
Watanabe revealed that he has some surprises for his South African fans, most of whom have followed his music closely through the 70s and 80s.
"I want to sing a popular song in South Africa, but I would love to keep it a secret until then," he said amid laughter.
Watanabe will perform on Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown on Friday. He will share the stage with Sipho Mabuse, Oumou Sangare, Pancho Sanchez, Sadao Pu2Ma, Lalah Hathaway, Fourplay and Chris Botti.
The festival starts tomorrow and ends on Saturday.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos