Ofentse Moses Sebula

Paying homage to his hometown Tembisa, where cherished memories and musical foundations were paved, saxophonist Ofentse Moses Sebula shares his journey...

At the impressionable age of 9, Sebula explains how he experienced a love like never before, his love and admiration for music grew. Smitten with this love for music, Sebula met Mr Jerry Molelekwa, father to the late legendary South African pianist Moses Taiwa Molelekwa. He took young Sebula under his musical guidance and taught him music and consequently became his life mentor.

Under Mr Jerry Molelekwa's musical instruction and leadership, Ofentse in 2012 became a member of the Moses Taiwa Molelekwa Art Foundation. After 5 long years of musical course learning and performance, he graduated to the Taiwa Jazz Band. The band has accomplished sharing stages with prominent Jazz artists like Nduduzo Makhatini, Yonela Mnana, Feya Faku, Lira and Sydney Mnisi to mention the least.

Through the musical guidance of Kelly Bell in Grahamstown 2017, Moses was chosen to be part of the Standard Bank National School's Big Band. In 2018 he was once more the Standard Bank's National Youth Band desired and chosen talent, under the musical expertise of Amanda Tiffin; getting his first standing ovation for his composition and improvisation of his song titled 'Lost Souls'. In the same year the band was given a platform to perform at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz held annually at the Sandton Convention Centre. Together with the magnitude of his potential, Moses has been trailblazing the path to his success, sharing stages with other respective trailblazers such as Kabza De Small, Dj Maphorisa, Diteboho Kobedi, Daliwonga, Msaki, Black Motion, Tumi Mogorosi and Keenan Meyer.

Sebula has been in collaboration with acclaimed projects and productions as Tshwane Music Production, MIAGI, Etuk Ubongi (Nigeria) and Federal Youth Orchestra (BJO) of Germany in their South African tour, music conducted by British Conductor Alexander Shelly. Setting his trail ablaze the young saxophonist scorches the music industry and continues to amaze many, Yamaha Gulf Saxophone Scholarship competition win was a major win for those cheering him on. An exceptional competition held in Dubai under the supervision of Professor Karendra Devroop and Mr Thamsanca Mahlangu.

Of late, Ofentse Moses Sebula released his album named H.O.P.E (Holding Onto Positive Energy), all the while completing and graduating his diploma cum laude at the Tshwane University of Technology. Amidst the global pandemic coronavirus, Moses managed to shine once more by being a select member of the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Band of 2021, under the musical artistry of Nduduzo Makhatini of East London, South Africa. He goes on to acquire his advanced diploma cum laude and goes again to be selected as part of the National Youth Jazz Band of 2022 under the musical genius of trumpeter Mandla Mlangeni.

As a recent 2022 member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, Moses is a musical genius of his generation, who is maturing into his musical potency, what a sight to behold!