South African jazz maestro Fezile “Feya” Faku has died while on tour in Basel, Switzerland. The 63-year-old trumpeter and flugelhornist reportedly passed away on Monday while performing abroad.
Faku, who was born on 6 June 1962 in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth, built a career that transcended borders, merging jazz with African sounds in a style that earned him acclaim both locally and internationally. He recorded and shared stages with giants like Abdullah Ibrahim, Zim Ngqawana, and Bheki Mseleku.
His death comes just weeks after his final interview with The Herald, where he encouraged aspiring musicians to stay dedicated to their craft.
Tributes poured in from across the region, with Gqeberha-based activist and businessman Mike Pantsi describing Faku as a symbol of artistic excellence. “New Brighton township mourns the loss of a remarkable son … an international artist,” he posted on Facebook.
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