Continuing our powerful collaboration with AfricArise, we welcome one of South Africa’s most influential figures in shaping the sound and direction of post-apartheid South African Jazz, McCoy Mrubata. Originally hailing from Cape Town’s Langa township, Mrubata grew up immersed in the many sounds of South African music, from traditional Xhosa works, to the sounds of the church, to the jam sessions of Cape Town’s Jazz master musicians. Dropping out of school in 1976 following the country’s youth uprising against apartheid, Mrubata began studying music with some of Langa’s icons like Winston Mankunku Ngozi, Ezra and Duke Ngcukana, and more. Having released 12 albums as a bandleader, and seven as co-leader in collaborative projects, Mrubata stands to this day as one of the most influential figures in South African Jazz, a veritable living legend whose work is widely admired and imitated by subsequent generations of artists.

With a growing international profile, including appearing as a featured soloist alongside Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Mrubata now prepares to release his first album with AfricArise and Ropeadope. Lullaby for Khayoyo unites American and South African artists for one of the most thoughtful, swinging, and profound albums of his already storied career.

Lullaby for Khayoyo will be unveiled on April 5, 2024. Start here to experience the music.