Muneeb Hermans in Quickfire Q&A: Jazz roots, festival feels, and what’s in his gig bag

Cape Town-born trumpeter Muneeb Hermans is a force in the South African jazz scene, celebrated for his smooth yet groovy, resonant trumpet sound, and deeply expressive interpretation. With roots in both classical and contemporary jazz, Muneeb has refined his craft over the years through countless gigs, jam sessions, and festival appearances.

This year, at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF), Muneeb takes centre stage with his own quartet, promising a performance full of rich grooves and intimate moments on the Molelekwa Stage on Friday. He is joined by some of the country's most talented homegrown musicians: Lonwabo Mafani on keys, Sean Sanby on bass, Tefo Mahola on drums, Dylan Fine on guitar, and Justin Bellairs on saxophone, each bringing their unique voice to the ensemble.

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Everything we know about the 2025 Cape Town International Jazz Festival so far

Ahead of the festival, we caught up with Muneeb for a quickfire Q&A. From the very first tune he learnt on the trumpet to the one surprising item he always keeps in his gig bag, here’s what he had to say.

GLAMOUR: What is the first tune you ever learned on the trumpet?

Muneeb Hermans: I think the first tune I ever learned on Trumpet was Canteloupe Island by Herbie Hancock

GLAMOUR: Who’s your biggest trumpet influence, past or present

Muneeb Hermans: In terms of the way I approach the trumpet, Chet Baker is probably one of my biggest influences. In present time I'd say Wynton Marsalis.

Cape Town-born trumpeter Muneeb Hermans, a force in the South African jazz scene

GLAMOUR: Describe your sound in three words

Muneeb Hermans: Soft, smooth and lyrical.

GLAMOUR: What does performing in Cape Town, mean to you?

Performing in Cape Town is always special, it's my home town and it's always exciting playing in front of my friends, family and supporters.

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GLAMOUR: Any local South African jazz artists you’re excited to hear or collaborate with

Muneeb Hermans: I'm looking forward to hear the Nduduzo Makhathini & Black Coffee collaboration. But in a whole I'm looking forward to hear as many acts as possible, CTIJF really put together a special line up this year.

What’s one unexpected item you always carry in your gig bag?

Muneeb Hermans: A Peg! Usually when playing outside gigs , I usually carry pegs to avoid my sheet music from flying around.

GLAMOUR: Do you prefer intimate clubs or big festival stages?

I prefer either to be honest. Being exposed to both intimate clubs and big festivals at a young age definitely prepared for moments like this, headlining my own project at this years CTIJF.

GLAMOUR: If your trumpet could talk, what would it say after a show?

Muneeb Hermans: Probably, "blow me for another set please" hahahaha.

GLAMOUR: What’s the most challenging piece in your current setlist?

Muneeb Hermans: My music is not technically challenging so I wouldn't comment much on that although the grooves are important to me so I'd say the each song has its own challenges when it comes to groove.

GLAMOUR: What’s the one unspoken rule you and your quartet follow when jamming together?

Muneeb Hermans: The unspoken rule is always taking the music in a different direction, every gig will always be different although we play the same repertoire. We make sure it always sounds different.