“When I went to university, I told myself—this is it. God gave me this talent, and I’m going to give it everything,” he said.

“I told myself in five or ten years, I’ll be travelling and playing big stages. Some of those dreams came true even earlier.”

By 2014, Hermans had already performed in New York. His first professional gig at the Jazz Fest was with the late, great Errol Dyers.

Now, it’s his own name lighting up the line-up—and he couldn’t be more thrilled.

“To be performing at CTIJF with my own project, under my own name—man, it’s special. I’ve always dreamt of this moment,” Hermans said with a smile. “It’s home, and I’m repping myself and my people.”

Hermans’ debut album One for HP is dedicated to his community.

“People who stream the album will know that Hanover Park sound—but I’ve jazzed it up,” he said. “It’s a fusion of Cape Town soul and traditional jazz standards.”

Despite the international stages and big-name collaborations—including the likes of Hilton Schilder— Hermans remains rooted in teaching.

He currently shares his knowledge with young brass players at Wynberg Girls’ High and St Joseph’s Marist College.

“I love teaching. It’s a way to give back and keep the music alive,” Hermans said. “Coming from the hood isn’t easy. But the hood teaches you how to connect, how to hustle. If it wasn’t for that, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

His advice to aspiring musicians? “Just keep pushing. If you’ve got a dream, find someone to guide you — don’t try to do it alone. It’s a bit of luck, but mostly hard work.”

With a trumpet in hand and Hanover Park in his heart, Hermans is blowing open doors—one note at a time.

tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za

Weekend Argus