VIDEO: “If I could I would play nonstop” says Tzaneen Saxoman
He is dubbed Tzaneen's own Saxoman and can be found at the Lifestyle robot on most days playing the saxophone, but have you ever wondered who this man is?
His name is Joseph Baloyi, although he is not sure of his age, he thinks he is around 76 years old and he was born in the Giyani area.
He now lives in Mariveni.
Joseph, Tzaneen’s Saxoman, absolutely loves what he does for a living.
“I bought my first saxophone in the early 1960’s and learned how to play in Johannesburg,” says the friendly music man.
Joseph has been traveling to and from Johannesburg since the sixties to better his talent with the saxophone.
He also knows how to play the flute and can read music.
He doesn’t play nearly as much as he would like to and says assertively: “I would like to play nonstop.”
Joseph loves playing for the people of Tzaneen because he feels the people understand the art behind the music.
“I feel like the people from Tzaneen understand my art, I won’t go sit somewhere else to play. Some people just like to dance, they don’t understand the art. I don’t like people who only dance without listening to the message from the music,” Joseph told the Herald.
When asked what he does for fun, the answer was simple. He plays the saxophone.
If he’s not at the robot entertaining motorists, it is either because it is raining or he also does private performances.
He has played at a private party before and on Valentine’s Day he entertained guests at a popular restaurant in Letsitele.
Rainy days also keeps him from playing in Tzaneen.
“Unfortunately, nature has a way of keeping me from good times,” said Joseph.
Joseph would also like to share his love and knowledge with other people, especially the youth.
“If I maybe go to sleep forever, there must be someone to carry on, I hate to see local people go to Johannesburg to learn about music,” he said.
As far as he knows, he is the only saxophonist in this area and that is why he would like to teach peole how to play.
So whenever the weather is sunny, don’t forget about our very own Saxoman earning an honest living.
If there is someone interested in taking lessons, phone Joseph on 072 292 7993.
