'A tragedy for the jazz community': Legendary SA trumpeter Feya Faku dies on tour in Switzerland

Tributes are pouring in for Feya Faku after the legendary South African jazz musician died on Monday while on tour in Switzerland.

The trumpeter and flugelhornist was just 63 years old.

Born in the Eastern Cape, Faku had built up an international reputation.

He is being remembered as the 'gentle giant' of African jazz.

A statement from the Faku family confirmed the musician's death, saying he had 'peacefully passed away in his sleep' in the Swiss city, Basel.

Jazz show host Nothemba Madumo recalls the fond memories she has of the last time she saw Faku, which was two months ago in April at the International Jazz Day celebration hosted by 702.

"A defining memory for me was that performance. He would talk about how the trumpet he was playing he was gifted by Hugh Masakela when his old instrument was stolen... I have a beautiful memory of how happy he was and also how healthy he was."

Nothemba Madumo, 702 Jazz Show Host

"He'd been ill for a while but he recovered... and he shared with me how special it was for him to be at the Sanctuary Mandela where we hosted him. He said he will never forget it because he was there with his son."

Nothemba Madumo, 702 Jazz Show Host

Faku's passing is 'just so sad' for the jazz community, laments Madumo.

Posting on X, she said she is still processing his departure.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview