Mlungisi Gegana: Reflecting on Four Decades in Music and His Latest Album

Hailing from the Eastern Cape, Mlungisi Gegana is a master of the double bass, a creative composer, and a dedicated teacher. His remarkable musical journey spans over 40 years, culminating in the release of his third album, My Time, My Space.

A Labor of Love: The New Album

It took a whole ten years for Gegana to present the world with his new work. His album represents an intimate creative process, allowing listeners to witness a confluence of musical introspection and expression. The significance of the album's title reflects the idea that true art takes time and space to blossom. This new album follows his 2014 second album titled I Am Who Am I.

The Journey of Self-Taught Mastery

Gegana's musical quest began in Queenstown at an early age, starting with a homemade oilcan guitar and experimental percussion, laying the foundation for what was to become an illustrious career. By 1986, Gegana's passion for music brought him to Cape Town, where his destiny intertwined with the local jazz scene and prominent musicians who would profoundly influence his path.

One such figure was Godfrey Ntsila, who invited Gegana to play bass, setting the stage for his development as a bassist. This opportunity also led to the creation of the renowned Jazz Den, a club co-founded by Gegana and Christian Syren, a late musician and music organizer.

Throughout the years, Gegana has been a sponge for musical wisdom, absorbing inspiration from many senior South African jazz figures. His journey from Cape Town to Johannesburg and his eventual return home to Queenstown illustrate a lifelong commitment to musical evolution and community engagement. In Gauteng, he linked with talented artists and worked on high-profile projects while launching his first album, One Step Forward, in 2004.

Mentorship and Teaching: The Cycle Continues

Now back home, Gegana is not only active in the performance circuit but also invests his time in teaching at the eMlungisi Music Academy. His experience with the International Library of African Music deepens his involvement in cultural preservation and education.

The latest album not only showcases Gegana's compositional growth, with him using piano as a starting point for his creations, but it also incorporates larger ensemble work and pays tribute to his musical mentors. Songs on the album convey different aspects of his experiences, from geographical moves to reflections during the COVID-19 period. Gegana maintains that the pursuit of music is a lifelong process, one that he continues to share with students at his academy, passing on the discipline and joy of jazz.

bassist, composer, album