In January 2020, saxophonist and music producer, Casper Esau II, founded Key Change SA band just after wrapping up his six month tour of the Middle East.
Key Change SA is a versatile cover music band based in Johannesburg with members from Ennerdale, Eldorado Park and Randfontein. Focusing on multiple genres that include RnB, Pop, Smooth Jazz and Afro Pop, the band aspires to alter the South African music landscape through its touching compositions and renditions of popular songs.
The ensemble is composed of Casper Esau II on saxophones and vocals, Luyanda Sibutha on vocals, Jonathan Bergman on bass, Rhyno Titus on guitar, Triston Jaftha on drums and Emile De Vos on keyboards.
Although the band hasn’t released any music under it’s name, it has recorded on a number of Casper Esau II’s projects which are available on all digital platforms.
“We have performed at many restaurants and high end venues in Johannesburg that include The Aurum in Sandton and Katzy’s in Rosebank amongst others. We encounter challenges finding a consistent platform for live entertainment which has been scarce lately. Ever since the industry re-opened from COVID 19. Live bands struggle to find a platform to perform. However, we’ve decided to create a string of events ourselves and proposing to different venues. We also want to take initiative and create our own gigs,” Esau II told GLOBE POST.
Casper was born and raised in Johannesburg where he graduated from The National School of The Arts in 2013 and went on to further study classical saxophone at the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra Company (JYOC).
He has been involved with many bands – both performing live and in the studio. Most notable productions include The Voice SA with Thatch Music, Vodacom NXT LVL, Emirates Pursuit of Jazz and a 6-month residency with The Coda Jazz Katz in Bahrain in the Middle East.
Casper has worked with many major artists as a session musician for the likes of Mafikizolo, Mobi Dixon, Dr Duda (MiCasa), Nichume, Keegan Martin (Idols Top 7), Bianca Le Grange, Liesl Pannikin, Henry Philemon (METRO FM award winner for best jazz album 2016).
For info, contact Casper on 076 387 8678.
Watch the band’s performances on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@casperesauiitv6019
