Dick Khoza was a prominent South African jazz drummer, percussionist, bandleader, and composer, recognized for his immense contributions to the South African jazz scene during the 1960s and 1970s. Khoza, an influential figure in jazz, was known for his innovative compositions and mentorship that shaped the future of jazz in South Africa.
Born in Malawi, Dick Khoza relocated to South Africa, where he would spend most of his life. He began his musical journey in the early 1960s, playing with Lucky Malakana's Broadway Brothers. Encouraged by Robert Matuba, Khoza decided to take up drums full-time, a decision that would define his career. By 1962, he was performing with Eric Nomvete's Big Five at the Cold Castle National Festival.
In 1964, Khoza embarked on a tour across South Africa with Joe Balelka Daku in a band called The Sounds and later formed the band Vuka (Wake Up) with pianist Claude Ngcukana. Notably, in the 1970s, while he worked at the Natal Command military base in Durban, he secretly played jazz at night with Alfred Nokwe's Ndaba's Swingsters Jazz Band. Additionally, he ran jazz workshops at the Durban YMCA, nurturing young talent in his community.
Relocating to Johannesburg, Khoza assumed the role of stage manager and house band leader at the Pelican Club in Orlando East, Soweto. Under his leadership, the Pelican Club became a crucial platform for burgeoning bands in the 1970s, such as Roots, Spirits Rejoice, Sakhile, and Stimela. His collaborations with celebrated South African jazz artists like Winston Mankunku Ngozi and Duku Makasi further solidified his status within the jazz community.
Khoza's role at the Pelican Club not only advanced these groups' careers but also made him a pivotal talent scout and mentor for up-and-coming musicians. His guidance was instrumental in shaping the sound of South African jazz during a transformative era.
Khoza's legacy is perhaps most profoundly encapsulated in his seminal album "Chapita," recorded in September 1976, following the Soweto uprisings. The album, financed and released by Rashid Vally's As-shams (Sun) label, featured musicians from the Afro Pedlars band, including Aubrey "Khaya" Mahlangu and Ezra Ngcukana.
The title track "Chapita" addresses themes of urban migration and cultural identity, reflecting the socio-political climate of Johannesburg during that period. Khoza's music, characterized by a blend of traditional African sounds and jazz, was heavily influenced by his travels to Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania in the mid-1970s. "Chapita" is celebrated as a cornerstone of 1970s South African jazz and Afro-funk, marking the peak of Khoza's artistic journey.
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