Farewell to a jazz legend: Feya Faku's memorial and funeral services confirmed

The South African music community is in mourning following the untimely passing of legendary trumpeter and composer Fezile ‘Feya’ Faku, who died at the age of 63 on Monday, June 23. 

The dates for Feya Faku's memorial and funeral services have been announced by his family, offering an opportunity for fans and loved ones to bid their final farewells to the musician.

Faku passed away while on tour in Basel, Switzerland, where he was supporting accomplished South African jazz pianist Paul Hanmer. 

A representative confirmed that Faku died in his sleep, although the cause of death remains undisclosed. 

The news has left a profound sense of sorrow among his friends, family and fans, many of whom were moved by his passion for music and his contributions to the jazz genre.

"The Faku Family extends its sincere gratitude for the heartfelt condolences during this time. We are comforted by your love and kind gestures," shared the family in a statement. 

Memorial and funeral service details 

Faku's services will be held as follows:

• Memorial service: Thursday, July 3, at Nangoza Jebe Hall (ex-Great Centenary Hall), New Brighton, Gqeberha, at 3pm. 
• Funeral service: Saturday, July 5, at Nelson Mandela Stadium Precinct, Gqeberha, at 9am.
• Jam session: Saturday, July 5, at Nangoza Jebe Hall, New Brighton, Gqeberha, at 5pm. 
• Memorial service in Johannesburg: Friday, July 25, at 2pm. The venue is yet to be announced. 

Born in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, Faku embarked on a musical journey later in life, crafting his unique sound through the guidance of local musicians, many of whom were saxophonists. 

His passion led him to enrol at the University of Natal in 1988, where he studied music with financial support from the National Association of Democratic Lawyers (NADEL).

Mentored by the renowned Darius Brubeck, he graduated with a diploma in Jazz Studies in 1992, marking the beginning of an illustrious career.

Faku found his artistic voice in Durban, collaborating with numerous celebrated South African artists, including Winston Mankunku Ngozi, Thandie Klaasen, Pat Matshikiza and Barney Rachabane.

He performed alongside jazz legends such as Abdullah Ibrahim, Bheki Mseleku, Zim Ngqawana, Hugh Masekela and Kenny Garrett, whose influences further solidified his legacy as a master trumpeter.

Tributes have poured in from across the country, with ActionSA publicly offering condolences to Faku's family, recognising him as a "positive ambassador" for SA’s cultural exports.

"We hope that the legacy Faku leaves behind will serve as a lasting reminder of the pact we agreed on, at the dawn of our democracy, to always build together," the organisation stated. 

Reflections shared online reveal the deep connections Faku forged through music.

Dante Mashile reminisced about their shared experiences at the University of Natal Jazz School and lauded Faku's philosophical approach to music: "Bra Feya was always this philosophical master at the trumpet and flugelhorn that made his voice heard."

Similarly, Vuyisile Sibaca remembered their encounter in Harare: "Thanks for the music and your humbleness.”