Don Vino looks back at two decades in music business
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Cape Town saxophonist Don Vino Prins said has travelled the world making music and rubbing shoulders with industry legends. l SUPPLIED
From humble beginnings packing groceries at a local retailer to performing on the world stage – Don Vino Prins has played his saxophone into jazz lovers’ hearts.
The Cape Town-based saxophonist is celebrating two decades of creating music and performing with artists.
In 1999, Prins got his first paid gig at a wedding, where he received R200.
“I couldn’t believe I got paid because I thought I was doing it for free. Once I found out there was money in this, it sparked the idea that it could become a full-time career for me,” he added.
In the late 90s, while working at his first job a packer for a retailer, Prins had an epiphany.
“Halfway through my shift, I packed my bags and left. I decided I was going into music full-time. I rode my bicycle home and I have never looked back since,” he said.
Prins fell in love with his instrument at age 15, while participating in a Christmas choir.
“I could barely play the piano at the time but I had an innate passion for music. I first played the banjo and then the trumpet and at some point, switched over to the saxophone,” he said.
“I fell in love with the saxophone the moment I first heard Robbie Jansen playing it. I’d never heard it played that way before.
“His sound was exhilarating and he inspired me to see the capabilities of the instrument.”
In the last two decades, he has played on stages in the US, London, Sweden, Dubai, Australia and many other countries.
“For me to be in an industry that is so cut-throat and do what I love makes me grateful. I am blessed to do what I love for a living,” he said.
The biggest career highlight for Prins was selling out his first show at the Grand Arena to 5 000 people.
“I can’t explain what I felt entering the venue. It was an emotional moment seeing that many people cheering for me,” he said.
Throughout his career, he’s shared the stage with Tevin Campbell, Kirk Whalum, Bebe Winans and many more international artists. In South Africa, he performed with the Jesus Collective, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Judith Sephuma and others.
He said his dream of playing alongside Jonathan Butler was a career highlight.
“Now, whenever he comes to Cape Town, I am his resident saxophone player,” he said.
Celebrating two decades in the industry brought with it instrumental lessons for Prins.
“The most valuable lesson was to ensure that I invest in and take care of myself. As musicians we don’t have retirement funds or pension funds,” he said.
“I had to learn the business of music, working with money, saving it and using the money to explore other avenues.”
“Always think of the future and be prepared financially. That’s what I always tell young and upcoming artists. This is why I was okay during the pandemic.”
In 2013 his wife Ronel became his manager and the couple have been married for 17 years. In 2017, the couple opened Don&Nel’s Wedding Services which provides cakes, photography and music for weddings.
Ronel said seeing her husband grow in the industry had been inspiring.
“Seeing his growth while working behind the scenes has been so insightful. I give God all the glory for Don Vino’s journey,” she said.
“He knows exactly what needs to be done for us to achieve our goals. He works with a schedule and discipline and I’m always in awe of it,.”
DJ and producer, Calvin Peter – better known as Uncle Cal – witnessed Don Vino’s career advancement and drew inspiration from it.
“The only thing that surpasses his amazing talent is his ability to stay focused and remain in touch with his roots,” he said.
“He remained grounded while rubbing shoulders with international celebrities. I’ve seen artists allowing their egos to get in the way, but not him,” Peter added.