Back when I was growing up, it was uncool to be a phapha-rish individual. (The English phrase that best approximates the term ukuphapha, would be “to be forward or excitable”.) So when there was exciting news, a younger sibling would be told “Mus’ukuphapha!” by the wiser, less excitable older sibling. (Because out on those playground streets, nothing was more embarrassing than a phaphing little sister or brother.)

As a type A younger sibling, I made it my mission to never again be rendered phaphing by anything or anyone; this is a general code of conduct I’ve upheld to this day. That is, except for one notable exception: Mr Kirk Whalum.

I do not recall when exactly I became such a fan, but it may have been during my high school years. I remember one afternoon, chilling in my Dad’s office after school, when “All I Do” started playing on the radio. It was the first time I paid the song proper attention, never before knowing who the artist was. The radio guy thankfully did not leave me in ignorance: Mr Whalum was the one. Yeeeeaaars later, I was to learn that it was a cover of a Stevie Wonder composition. I preferred (and still prefer) Mr Whalum’s version over the original. This is an anomaly for me (sorry, Mr Wonder).

“All I Do” came out in 1998, so let’s just say that’s when I heard it. 20 years and 18 albums later, I am still a huge fan of Mr Whalum’s. Fast forward to 2013.

I had the opportunity to see Mr Whalum live and in concert. The Cape Town International Jazz Festival’s announced a line-up which included my favourite saxophonist OF ALL TIME. I hurried on over to Computicket to get my tickets—2 months before the event.

Come the day, and did I not narrowly miss pushing aside a seasoned (read older) festival-goer or two in my haste to secure a front row seat? Those seasoned jazz-festivalers are quick too, though. I only managed to get a 3^rd row seat, behind a tall guy with a bald head. But that didn’t stop me from fangirling in earnest; I may or may not have let out a squeal that sounded like a choking rooster. Suffice it to say, I think my companions at the concert were well and truly disturbed by such unruly behaviour. Such a display has not been repeated since, to their great relief.

Oh! AND! Mr Whalum was promoting his latest release “Romance Language” and was having a meet-and-greet after the concert. Cue more pushing and shoving. I purchased a copy of the CD (I already had one at home), and stood in line to get it signed. When I got to the front, I had a ridiculous grin on my face, and said, “I love your work, Mr Whalum. God bless you.” (or some such inane phrase). I have no idea if he heard me or answered, but it was great! I met Kirk Whalum, and got an autograph.

But phapharing aside, I wrote all of that just to write this: I really enjoy the music, but I admire the steady, God-fearing family man Mr Whalum seems to be. In the years since I’ve been keeping track of Mr Whalum’s musical projects, there are two topics he talks about regularly: our Lord Jesus Christ, as well as his wife, Ms Ruby. That has been consistent.

As for his music, enjoyment is too mild a word. I remember listening to The Gospel According to Jazz Chapter 2 as a student, studying for end of block exams. I recall The Best of Kirk Whalum being the companion soundtrack of my difficult and lonely internship years. Hymns in the Garden was my lullaby, many-a-night. The Gospel According to Jazz 3 carried me during the 12 months of community service. All I Do has been my favourite ever since those high school days.

You see, something happens when Mr Whalum plays the saxophone. Yes, he is gifted (and he would, I think, be the first to stress the importance of honing one’s craft). But when he plays, something best decribes as spiritual happens. It’s as if through the melody of the saxophone, worship of the Most High God begins to flow. In those tough days, through the music, I could almost hear the Lord Himself whispering, “It’s alright. I am still in control.”

Mr Whalum will probably never see this. But I am thankful for the music and the ministry. On the occasion (today) of his 60^th birthday, help me wish my favourite jazz-uncle Kirk Whalum a happy happy birthday.

P.S. Of course I couldn’t let y’all go without a listicle! Here are my top 5 Kirk Whalum tracks, in no particular order:

• All I Do from the album For You (1998)—the song that started the phaphing. Wendy Moten’s vocals are awesome.
• Waltz for David from the album Unconditional (2000)—I don’t know who David is, but he’s got a nice waltz written for him.
• Make Me A Believer from the album The Gospel According to Jazz Chapter 3 (2010)—this song! Imagine Mr Whalum’s saxophone PLUS the smoooooth vocals of Lalah Hathaway PLUS Kevin Whalum joining forces on a cover of the Luther Vandross tune. Quadruple smooth.
• All My Might from the album The Gospel According to Jazz Chapter 1 (1998)
• The Promise from the album The Promise (1989)

P.P.S. Did you know that Kirk Whalum played the saxophone for Whitney Houston for a while? His is that soulful saxophone one hears in I Will Always Love You. Now you know.

Copyright reserved Gugulethu Mhlanga 2018