Today we are talking to the shy, but great saxophonist, Darren Jacobus. Darren is the eldest of three children, he has two brothers and one sister. He was born in the big city of Port-Elizabeth but raised in Middelburg in the Karoo. Darren grew up listening to artists such as Luther Vandross, Beyoncé, Adele, Brian McKnight, Whitney Houston and Kirk Whalum. The level of artistry and soul they have is truly amazing and that’s the type of sound and music he wants to produce. Darren has won talent shows and travelled as far as New York and Britain – such a young soul with so much wind in his pipe. I caught up with him to ask him about playing the saxophone and his dreams.

So tell us Darren, how would you describe yourself?

I am a saxophonist, only twenty five years of age. I spend most of my time doing music, whether it is doing features for people, covering songs or performing at events. I am shy but also outspoken and self- driven.

How long have you been involved in music?

I’ve been playing for ten years – even more than that, because music has always been a part of me.

Why did you choose the saxophone?

Because of the elegance and the rhythm. I would rather say it chose me because of how we ‘gel’ complimenting each other on a different level.

Do you play any other instruments?

At the moment, no. But hopefully in the future to create my own features.

Are you a solo player, or do you also play in a band or ensemble?

At the moment I am a solo artist. I love to create and make things my own; it’s how I express myself. It’s a place and space to pour out my emotions and share a part of me every time I play. I would like to have my own band one day. A band with the same values and prospects as I have.

What do you like about playing with other people?

What I enjoy most is the music we create; the communication and how we flow as one when we start playing together. Because now it’s not just one instrument but more than one flowing in the same direction. And it is just magical man.

What are some of the places you have been performing?

I have been performing at your typical places. But I started my journey professionally when I entered a talent show called ‘Showville’. I won the competition and entered another one where I won a trip to New York for two consecutive years. I also got the opportunity to go to London in Britain. Unfortunately it ended at the auditions, but I’m very grateful for the opportunity and experience.

What is your greatest achievement?

I would say that the talent I have gained over the years and also the experiences. Also the fact that I was given the opportunity to go and showcase my talent abroad. Travelling was a greater experience than anyone could ever thought. Seeing and sharing your talent with others is a big achievement for me.

What has shaped you most as a musician?

Playing the sax is difficult as you learn new things every day. It is a constant struggle and requires so many sacrifices, determination and focus. It is a relationship between me and the instrument. But I love every moment of it, the ups and downs. In the end I realise that I couldn’t have done or achieved anything without the Lord. My music would be empty. If you are called to do something you will eventually do it, despite of everything I have done, music and my instrument has never left me.

What are you working on right now?

Currently I am playing around with some sounds and am working on bettering myself for something big. Y’all just have to stay tuned!

How important is practising for you?
You can’t just pick up the instrument and start playing. You have to practise with it, show love to it to and make lovable music. Practising makes perfect and to me that is very important.

How do you improve your technique?
Practice, practice and practice.
What is your biggest musical goal?
To go professional internationally. I want to be the next Kenny G.

Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?

I know it sounds like a cliché but I want people, not only musicians, to dream big and believe that they can achieve whatever they desire/ aspire to be.

And lastly the question on everyone’s lips. Are, saxophone players good kissers
?
(Giggle) Actually, no comment but I would say try to find out yourself.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Yeah, I spent a lot of my time trying to find my purpose in all the wrong places and I never felt happy or satisfied. Instead I was ruining myself and my future. God changed my entire life including my perspective about life. I don’t have it all figured out and I haven’t reached even half of my goals, but I have faith that God already has worked everything out for my life. Life is hard and it’s not supposed to be easy, but it’s how you learn about yourself and how you overcome challenges and build character. Work hard, nothing in life that is worth it comes easy.

Darren is certainly making magic with his saxophone and with his determination and love for the instrument. I, for one, will definitely be ‘staying tuned’.