Lucas Senyatso, a renowned South African bassist, composer, and producer, has long been a cornerstone of the country’s jazz scene. After an impressive career collaborating with legends like Hugh Masekela, Sibongile Khumalo, and Judith Sephuma, Senyatso is stepping back into the spotlight with the release of his first EP in 18 years, Africa.
This new project not only marks a significant return for the Mmabatho-born musician but also showcases his deep connection to South African jazz and afro-soul. In this exclusive interview, Lucas shares the inspiration behind his latest work, reflects on his musical journey, and offers valuable insights into his creative process.
After an 18-year hiatus, welcome back! Tell us what inspired you to return with this new EP, Africa? Was there a specific moment or experience that rekindled your creativity?
[LUCAS SENYATSO]: Inspiration to write music has always been there. In the 18 year hiatus, I wrote music foe Thembisile, Siphokazi and Mbuso Khoza. I was also busy teaching young people music at Mmabana Mmabatho. I also worked with Lion King on their international tour abroad, from 2018-2022. After this tour, I started having enough time on my hands, to concentrate on myself, that’s why I started writing this new music.
Your music reflects deep roots in South African jazz and afro-soul. How did growing up in Mmabatho and your time at the Mmabana Cultural Centre shape your musical identity?
[LUCAS SENYATSO]: Funny thing is, when you’re a young music student, you don’t know anything about song-writing or any of that. Your priority is to learn how to play your instrument and music theory. So, that was really my priority coming up as a bass guitar and music student back in the 80’s. But I guess growing up in Mafikeng, had major advantages. We grew up in a town that was ten steps ahead of everyone in South Africa. We listened to all sorts of hip music on Radio Bop(Bophuthatswana). I believe that helped shape our understanding of music, so as I grew in the music, that might have possibly shaped my love for composition or song-writing.
You’ve worked with legends like Hugh Masekela and Sibongile Khumalo. How have these collaborations influenced your approach to composing and performing music?
[LUCAS SENYATSO]: When you work with legends like Hugh Masekela, Sibongile khumalo, Victor Ntoni, Lawrence Matshiza and Vusi Khumalo, you can’t help but learn tricks of composition, arranging and production. Through all these lessons I learnt from these masters, I found myself, not only playing bass on Stimela’s last album before Bra Ra Chikapa Phiri passes on, but I also did horn arrangements for the album.
The track Africa speaks to the idea of unity on a divided continent. How do you infuse your music with such powerful messages, and what do you hope listeners take away from this EP?
[LUCAS SENYATSO]: I think it’s an open secret that Indians are very supportive of each other. Word of mouth in the streets is that when one has a successful business, he/she doesn’t hesitate to arrange for a brethren from India to come closer, help them set up their business by giving them a loan. Then later on this one pays off the loan, and on and on the cycle repeats itself. That’s why today we see Oriental Plaza, China Mall( Chinese ) and so on. White people are also united. You just have to take a look at Orania where Afrikaaners have come together to build their economy and culture. It is sad that when it comes to us Africans, we are divided. I would like to see as Africans of this continent, and in the diaspora, beginning to seriously look at each other as one blood. We need to support one another. I don’t see why we have to suffer when we have intellectuals, successful business people, great artists and so on. Those with money to help develop others, be innovative, create employment and businesses for all of our people, what are we waiting for? The power is in our hands. As I say in the last line of my song, “AFRICA’S TIME IS HERE AND NOW”
Your ability to blend jazz, Setswana, and afro-soul creates a unique soundscape. Can you share your creative process when combining these diverse influences?
[LUCAS SENYATSO]: It goes back to the process of going through the fire. Becoming a musician and a song-writer is a long process. I spent many years playing as a session musician for many artists. That’s where my craft for composing music was incubated. I also spent a lot of time listening to all sorts of different records, both local and international. I’m also very intentional about what I am writing. As a proud Motswana man, I love my language and I feel it is my responsibility to put my language out there for the world to learn about it. Having studied jazz at school, makes it easier for me to blend the genre with afro soul and Setswana. I also love Motswako and I’m intending to have a Motswako rapper in my music in my next recording.
What challenges and rewards have come with your return to the spotlight after such a long hiatus?
[LUCAS SENYATSO]: As much as I have fans that have always been loyal and have been waiting for my new project, I realize that now I have to tap into a new fan base. That comes with some challenges because a lot has changed in the industry. Truth is, Jazz fans have diminished in South Africa, possibly this is the same challenge in the entire world. But the rewards are there. I have noticed a good response from a lot of folks. Many people are spending messages of compliments. The EP has been received well and this has made me realize that people really live Lucas Senyatso and perhaps going forward I need to release a new project every year. But I’m ready to play on every stage with my band.
For aspiring musicians who want to follow in your footsteps in sustaining a musical career, what advice would you give about staying true to one’s artistic vision, even during challenging times?
[LUCAS SENYATSO]: My advice to aspiring young musicians, is that they should not do this music business because they want to be famous. For us it is a calling. I didn’t wake up one day and think I want to be famous. Take this gift very seriously and work on your craft. Practice, practice and practice. Listen to all types of music and learn. It is not an easy business this one, but when you’re dedicated and focused, your gift will open doors for you. I am a living testimony.
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Featured Image(s) Source: Supplied
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