Inspiring youth’s lives through jazz: 

Tshepo Maseko

T

shepo Maseko worked for a couple of companies but after not being satisfied with the way he was treated and the wages he was given, he opted to trade it so he could follow his passion for music. Armed with his father’s support, Tshepo founded a company and named it Elephant Maseko, which assists young talented musicians through a project titled It Has To Be Jazz.

According to a recent study, our taste in music changes as we get older to match the shifting circumstances in our lives. The elderly tend to listen to classical and jazz music whereas the youth lean towards contemporary music such as pop and hip-hop. Using It Has To Be Jazz, Tshepo is disrupting the generational listening trends. The project’s aim is to expand the platform for young jazz cats and sister to get their music out whilst also preserving the genre for the future.

Tshepo established this project working with friends and musicians he’s known for a while. The project grew through word of mouth and has attracted struggling young musicians looking to get their big break. They meet on a regular basis at a studio in Pretoria, 15 to 30 minutes later they’re jamming and that jam is being recorded. In fact, every aspect of these sessions is documented. “A group of jazz musicians who have never met before, gather in a studio to jam and record together for the very first time,” says Maseko.

“I can’t change people but I can plant a seed and they can decide what to do with that seed”

The 27-year-old possesses a Degree in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Sound Engineering. He wasn’t happy working at an event management company so he decided to quit his job and pursue a career in music. Tshepo says the inspiration to get his company registered comes from his dad. “It Has To Be Jazz project is a gift of love from my father. The project remained a concept for a while waiting for the right opportunity to be explored and implemented,” he says.

Through the project, they expose raw talent in the industry where young jazz musicians get to do what they love doing best, which is to get into several jam sessions and showcase their talent. They sell their albums and engage in live performances as well.

These are but a few of the many skill sets that have become invaluable in successfully running and growing It Has To Be Jazz while addressing the issue of entrepreneurial opportunities for the youth. Poetry is also an integral part of It Has to Be Jazz when jazz and poetry are combined.

They are not just recorded, but also documented in a book. The first has been published, titled It Has To Be Jazz - Captured Moments, it profiles each of the musicians and the ideas behind the album they have contributed in. The other albums, already recorded, are called Spontaneous Combustion, The Exchange, The Horn of Africa, Mother Tongue and Playground.

The biggest piece of advice Tshepo can give to young people is to take 100% responsibility for their lives and stop feeling sorry for themselves.

His biggest fear is to let his parents down because they have sacrificed and invested a lot in him. He is a family orientated young man and when free, he makes sure he spends time with them. As for ladies, he is so single.

Being in control of his own time and talents and building a legacy for the next generation gives Tshepo the most satisfaction. “I can’t change people but I can plant a seed and they can decide what to do with that seed,” he concludes.