By Saul Molobi
Introduction
Jazz has always been more than music – it is a language of resilience, improvisation, and connection across cultures. Few embody this truth more than UK-based guitarist and composer Thomas Lourim, whose journey through pain, faith, and global exploration has shaped a unique jazz idiom rooted in both gospel and African traditions. In this conversation with cultural commentator Saul Molobi, Lourim opens up about his troubled beginnings, his healing through music and spirituality, and his deep affinity with Africa – particularly South Africa’s thriving jazz scene. From his early influences to his latest track “Fracture”, Lourim’s story is one of survival, faith, and the unifying power of jazz.
Saul Molobi:
Welcome to Sunset Serenade, our three-hour journey of deconstructing jazz music. My name is Saul Molobi. I’ve got good news for you, my dear listener. I’m connecting telephonically – and also via Zoom – to Thomas Lourim, a very seasoned jazz musician based in the UK. I’ve played his music before on this show, but today we’re going to hear his voice off stage. Hello, Tom.
Thomas Lourim:
Hello! Thank you for having me. I’m so excited.
Saul:
That’s wonderful. My dear listener, I’m talking to one strong advocate for global music – a true global citizen. What draws me to him is his deep interest in Africa. He has toured several African countries and, if you follow him on social media, he’s always advocating for the African continent and the Global South in general. But Tom, today we’re talking about your music. Tell us, how did you get into it?
Thomas:
Sure. Well, I grew up abused and very insecure, very much to myself as a kid. My family signed me up for music to see if that would help. I started with classical for a couple of years, drifted towards guitar, and became very good at it. I studied jazz for a number of years, then began working as a musician – touring, doing session work, backing bigger singers like Judy Wiley. Eventually, a few years ago, I went solo.
Saul:
And why did you choose jazz?
Thomas:
Because of its versatility. I’m a Christian and I follow everything God leads me to. My second guitar teacher was a jazz fusion teacher. My first actual band was “15 Believers,” and I was playing Weather Report, John Lee, Frank Zappa – all kinds of really wild jazz back in the ’70s, a lot of fusion. I’ve always loved world music, and as you mentioned, I drifted towards Africa. I love its different musics and cultures, and jazz is the easiest way to incorporate all of that.
Saul:
Indeed, I always talk about us celebrating the jazz tree. Jazz is like a tree with many branches and leaves; each branch is an idiom. South Africa has its own jazz idiom. Every African country has its own idiom. So do the US, UK, or Japan – think of Sadao Watanabe playing a Japanese idiom of jazz. This tree of jazz is universal, borrowing rhythms from many traditions. I’m interested in you because you borrow gospel rhythms, traditional jazz rhythms – and the concoction that comes out is a very unique idiom I love. Tell us about that.
Thomas:
When I was still playing rock briefly, I drifted towards Paul Simon when he was working with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and Peter Gabriel when he was doing African-infused music. I think that’s where I fell in love with it. A couple of years ago I made my first trip to South Africa. I visited a number of countries and cultures – each is different, every music is different. I just love it.
Saul:
What do you think about our music scene in South Africa and other African countries?
Thomas:
I’m blown away. South Africa’s got the biggest jazz scene I’ve ever seen. I’ve been to Europe, Mexico, America – and South Africa’s jazz scene is bigger than the States, bigger than anywhere else I’ve been. It’s loved by its people, supported more than any place I’ve seen. The variety of jazz within South Africa amazes me.
Saul:
And who is Tom in the UK right now?
Thomas:
Right now I’m trying to get my new CD finished in the studio and putting my website up. I’m playing a tour of Africa and actually talking about moving there.
Saul:
I’m also happy that you’ve appointed Nerfeiti Agency here in South Africa as your management company.
Thomas:
Yes, I was led towards that. Like I said, everything that happens with me I give to God first. We just bumped into each other, started talking. A year ago I did my last Africa tour and messed it up royally because I’m not a manager. I booked way too many shows, let people down, my band went crazy. So this time around I prayed to God, “I need a manager,” and she came into my life.
Saul:
Please share with our listeners your social media handles so they can get in touch with you.
Thomas:
Yes. I have my regular Facebook page – Thomas Lourim – and “Tom Lourim Music” on Facebook. My website is still being built but should be up in a week or two at tomlourim.com – nice and simple. And by the way, I keep the “H” in my first name – T-H-O-M, L-O-U-R-I-M.
Saul:
Tonight we’re playing your piece “Fracture.” Tell us about this song.
Thomas:
Sure. That’s my most personal piece. I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to release it. Like I said, I grew up abused, went through years of homelessness, alcohol, depression – all kinds of things. That was the night I was actually going to end my life. And then I met Christ. He changed everything, turned me totally around. “Fracture” is basically about where I was that night – giving up on life, on myself – and Christ coming through, saying “I love you, you’re something, I have plans for you. You’re going to go to Africa, connect with people, give them hope and joy through music.” “Fracture” was the turning point in my life that got me here.
Saul:
That’s wonderful. I always say to our listeners, music is highly therapeutic – and jazz is the number one form of therapy one can resort to. In your case, it played a profound role in your life. Can you give a message to our listeners?
Thomas:
Don’t give up. Believe in yourself and your purpose – what you were made to do. If you’re chasing your dreams and trying to become who you’re meant to be, it’s not going to be easy. A lot will challenge you. You get blessings in your life, but you have to go get them. Look in the mirror every day and say, “There’s somebody beautiful. There’s a plan for that person.” Live that way.
Saul:
Thank you, Tom – especially today when you’re having a slight sinus attack but still made time to talk to me. I wish you a speedy recovery. And to my listeners, as I said earlier, we’re going to listen to Tom’s piece “Fracture.” Enjoy it.
Thomas:
Thank you for having me. Honored.
Saul:
Thank you. Cheers. Bye.
Conclusion
Thomas Lourim’s reflections remind us that jazz is not only about chords, rhythms, or improvisation – it is about human experience. His testimony, from overcoming abuse and despair to finding purpose through Christ and music, highlights jazz as a form of healing and hope. At the same time, his embrace of African idioms affirms the continent’s central place in the global jazz family. As Lourim prepares to tour Africa once again, his message resonates clearly: never give up, believe in your purpose, and trust the music to carry you forward. Through his artistry, he continues to weave faith, resilience, and cultural exchange into a sound that truly knows no borders.
*** Catch this interview on 101.9 Chai FM this Sunday from 17;00 to 20:00 ***