After years of honing his craft under the guidance of South African jazz greats, Thembinkosi “Vimbs Mavimbs” Mavimbela is stepping into the spotlight with a show that is both a personal milestone and a musical celebration.
Fresh from a standout performance at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda, Mavimbela is bringing his jazz production, Late Bloomer, to audiences in the metro for the first time.
The show marks a significant chapter in his journey — a testament to patience, persistence and the power of mentorship.
Guided by the hands and hearts of icons such as the late Hugh Masekela, Sibongile Khumalo and Feya Faku, Mavimbela has spent years absorbing the essence of South African jazz, blending tradition with his own evolving style.
However, he said he was gutted by the recent death of his mentor, Faku.
Therefore, he would dedicate his show to the jazz legend.
The show will be held at The One Room Music and Comedy Club in Central at 4pm on Sunday.
Tickets cost R150 and are available online via Quicket.
Mavimbela is a double bassist, composer and musical director within the jazz, orchestral and experimental traditions.
His musical journey began after high school, later refined through formal training at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he majored in composition and performance.
“I was introduced to music as an industry in university. At that stage I had not played any instrument, let alone been involved in any music.
“Throughout my years at university, it was a lot of catching up.”
He compared himself to students who had experienced musical training from a young age — and that was why his show was called Late Bloomer.
“For the past five to eight years, I have been trying to hone in on my upbringing, my history, my lineage and what sounds influence me,” Mavimbela said.
Faku’s death had shocked and hurt him.
Mavimbela said when he was studying at Wits University, Faku lived across the road and, out of the goodness of his heart, he played a mentorship role in the lives of many of the students.
He had even allowed them to visit his home, where he would mentor them for free.
“He has been a very instrumental person in my life for many years.
“This is really a sad moment, but I will also pay tribute to Bra Feya, and at the same time introduce myself to the people of Gqeberha.
“Coming from Johannesburg, I have really been looking forward to sharing my stories with Gqeberha,” Mavimbela said.
His work reflects both technical depth and emotional honesty, drawing from African heritage while forging his own expressive language.
Mavimbela has also performed and recorded with some of the country’s most celebrated artists.
After years of learning and growing, he was excited about his first solo project because it signified a turning point in his musical career.
He said the audience could expect a holistic journey through his 18 years in music, his experiences in his country, and African influences — and there would be a lot of dancing.
“I think I was well received in Makhanda. When I walked around, people would come up to me to talk about the show,” Mavimbela said.
The Herald
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