Sebastian Jacobs

Rising South African Jazz pianist Sebastian Jacobs, was born in Mitchell's Plain, Cape Town in 1991 and currently resides in Manenberg, a poor sub-economic, yet culturally vibrant neighbourhood which gained worldwide prominence through the legendary Abdullah Ibrahim's composition entitled 'Mannenberg - is where it's happening' which became somewhat of an unofficial South African anthem of resistance and hope, especially during the Anti-Apartheid struggle. Widely respected in South Africa as a highly proficient pianist, composer and band leader, Jacobs' earliest musical and cultural roots can be traced as far back as his great grandfather, Charles Davids, who was the founder of a minstrel band called 'the Zonks' and his grandfather, Lesley Baker was a 1st trumpeter in the South African Navy. His own personal musical journey started at the tender age of four (4), when he was introduced to music his Pastor at the local Pentecostal church. Of the many instruments he was exposed to, it was the piano which fascinated him the most and was to become his instrument of choice. He started lessons at the age of 12 (twelve), absorbing the roots of Pentecostal music in the local church. He says fondly: "That's where I first began to play soulfully. I really learned a lot about music from the church. I saw how often music could trigger emotions, whether it's the musician or the audience." By the time he was sixteen (16), Jacobs was already performing with a number of gospel and jazz groups in Manenberg, including 'Bambalela' and the popular gospel group 'Newbirth'. This period contributed significantly to his exploration of music as an art form and the development of his own distinctive sound and expressiveness. In 2012, Jacobs eventually formed his own band, the Sebastian Jacobs Band, to perform his original compositions and well-known South African and American Jazz Standards specially arranged by the gifted musician. His dream is to share his sound with the world! He wants to tell his story to the world through his compositions. Apart from winning awards & touring the world, apart from all the glitz & glamour, he wants the world to know & love the brand that is Sebastian Jacobs. Sebastian listens to & draws from respected musicians Keith Jarret, the late George Duke & Jeff Lorber. He was heavily influenced by Mr Charles Louw and the Mamela Band who were also from Manenberg. He proceeded to enroll himself at The Cape Music Institute where he has learnt the different genres of music as well as song writing and also learning more about the Piano itself by Camillo Lombard. He Graduated in 2010.