Multi-Talented Musician
Danayi Dlova was an alto saxophonist, singer, composer and arranger hailing from Langa township, Cape Town. He was a talented musician who contributed hugely in building the legacy of what is now known as Langa jazz.
Born in 1940, Dlova grew up surrounded by music. Dlova's home was not far from the Ngcukana household, which consisted of brothers Duke and Erza who were both acclaimed musicians, as well as their father, Christopher Columbus Ngcukana. Dlova loved music from an early age and started by playing pianoforte before taking up alto saxophone.
He introduced jazz to his family, especially to his brother Ngxeko, through 45" records he bought at a record shop in Maitland. With his brother Ngxeko, he listened to Bebop music by Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis. The brothers went on to form The Young Rhythm Chordettes with musician friends from their neighbourhood.
When The Young Rhythm Chordettes broke up four years later, Dlova played with local legends Christopher Columbus Ngcukana, Phaks Joya, Themba Mathole and Victor Ntoni. He also did a stint with the popular band The Four Sounds. Dlova was an exceptional saxophonist who featured in many bands. He was the roaming musician of his day, lending his masterful craft to numerous bands and producing vibrant tunes of jazz.
He played in the Jazz Disciples with Tete Mbambisa, Sammy Maritz, Louis Moholo, Willie Nettie and Ronnie Beer. Dlova excelled in the smaller band format rather than big bands. He enjoyed the intimacy and close-knit atmosphere of smaller bands.
Dlova and fellow musician Duke Ngcukana were very close and in 1970, they formed Uptown Quintet with Dlova on alto, Duke on trumpet, Buggs Gongco on piano, Victor Ntoni on bass and Timmy Kwebulana on drums. Ill health forced Dlova to give up his beloved music in the early to mid-1970s. He then dedicated himself to his family and full-time employment.
Ultimately he became a family man: he got married in 1971 and had three children. His death in 1997 was a tragic loss to the jazz community. His legacy lives on as he is a well-known and a beloved figure of Langa jazz.