Women in Jazz: Tamzyn Freeks is reshaping tradition with every note

At just 23, Tamzyn Freeks is already a force in South Africa’s jazz scene, and she’s doing it with an instrument few women are known for: the trombone. What started as a spontaneous decision at age 12, sparked by her sister’s plea to not to play violin, has since become a calling. With roots in marimba, classical piano, and jazz improvisation, Tamzyn’s musical journey is anything but conventional, and that’s exactly what makes her voice so compelling. Blending the warmth of African traditional sounds with the freedom of jazz and the edge of genres like heavy metal and avant-garde, she doesn’t just play music, she reinvents it. As the former female member of the boundary-breaking band Kujenga, Tamzyn’s presence on stage isn’t just about skill, it’s about representation, reclamation, and rewriting the rules in a genre long dominated by men. Now, she’s stepping into her own spotlight, bold, grounded, and unapologetically herself.

GLAMOUR: Tell us about your musical background and how you got started playing the trombone.

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Tamzyn Freeks: Music has always been a huge part of my life and I’ve been fortunate enough to explore a wide range of instruments and styles. I started playing the marimba when I was just eight years old — soon after, my parents got me a keyboard and I began learning classical piano. When I was 11, one of my music teachers asked if I’d be interested in trying out jazz piano — and I have to admit, I didn’t know much about jazz at the time, just what I’d heard from my school’s jazz band. But I said yes, and that’s how my journey with jazz music began. A year later, when I was 12, I had a sudden desire to learn how to play the violin. But my sister, bless her, begged me not to — she didn’t want to have to listen to a beginner violinist practising all the time! So, she suggestedI try the trombone instead, which I had never even considered before. I had atrial session with a trombone teacher and they let me take one of the school’s trombones home for the weekend. I instantly fell in love with the instrument.I made my family listen to me play the entire weekend, even though I had no idea what notes I was playing!

GLAMOUR: How did you develop your skills and style as a trombone player and what are some of the biggest influences on your music?

Tamzyn Freeks: this day, I’m still not entirely sure what happened but I attended the Makhanda National Youth Jazz Festival in 2016 for the first time. WhenI returned to Cape Town, I felt like a completely different musician — my skills had improved dramatically in just a week. The following year, at 15, I started gigging professionally in CapeTown, surrounded by incredibly talented musicians. Being so young in a field dominated by older, experienced artists pushed me to work hard and prove myself. I was lucky enough to play with big names in jazz, classical and SouthAfrican music, and being thrown into challenging situations forced me to grow and improve quickly.I remember many gigs where I walked away with new skills and abilities. My music is a fusion of the genres I grew up with — jazz, classical and African traditional music — as well as other stylesI love, like Indian classical, reggae, heavy metal and avant-garde music.

GLAMOUR: As the former female member of the band Kujenga, how has your experience been, and what challenges and opportunities did you encountered along the way?

Tamzyn Freeks: It’s been a truly surreal experience. As a young woman in a male-dominated industry like jazz, I felt a huge sense of responsibility on my shoulders. Being the only female member of the Kujenga band came with its own set of challenges, but I’ve been fortunate in my career so far.I met many of the people I worked with while I was still in high school and that has helped to set boundaries and create a sense of respect. When I graduated, our relationships evolved, but because people already knew me and my music, I never encountered any demeaning comments or treatment. I felt comfortable and a tease with my colleagues, which made all the difference. Being part of Kujenga has been an incredible opportunity and I’ve been able to form deep and genuine connections with like-minded people from diverse backgrounds. The band’s music and dynamic are rooted in love and respect for each other — I never felt like my gender or sex was an issue.

GLAMOUR: How do you think your presence in the band helped break down barriers and challenges stereotypes about women in jazz?

Tamzyn Freeks: Its really difficult to answer this question from my perspective. Being part of Kujenga, I never felt gender because I have never been treated like “the woman of the band” but I have also never been treated like a man by the members. Because of this, I oftentimes forgot that I was the only woman in the band. My intention with any gig has always just been to share what I have to offer. I only started thinking about my impact afterwards, when more woman started speaking to me after gigs. I feel my presence extends past jazz and inspires woman in general. Many woman have called me their role model not only because I’m the only woman in the band but also because of the stereotype that trombone is a male instrument. I’ve also been told I’m inspiring because I “hold my own” and am not intimidated in a male dominated world. I worked with a music school where a young female told me they started trombone because of me. They had never considered playing trombone before they saw and heard me play because they thought it was for men. I think my presence has helped woman realize that not only can they play instruments considered male or be themselves in a male space, but that woman can do anything.

GLAMOUR: How would you describe jazz music to someone who has never heard it before?

Tamzyn Freeks: Jazz is a source of healing, comfort and reflection. It’s a blank canvas where the artist has a thousand ways of expressing themselves and the listener has a thousand ways of interpreting the art. Jazz is the musical form of our daily lives, struggles, joys and accomplishments. It’s a language that you don’t need to be able to speak in order to understand. It is incredibly spiritual and an easy way to connect to a higher power. You feel it in your body, heart and soul.

Original article appeared on GLAMOUR's May issue 2025. Available in stores NOW