Music: Renowned saxophonist Linda Sikhakhane launches his new album Iladi with two Cape Town concerts

Exciting news is that celebrated Linda Sikhakhane who won the 2022 Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz will play two concerts in Cape Town, to launch his new album Iladi: Thursday October 3, 2024 at Café Roux in Noordhoek at 7pm and on Saturday October 5, 2024 at Athletic Club and Social at 8pm. Read on for more about the concerts and about the renowned saxophonist, arranger and composer:

Linda Sikhakhane – saxophonist, arranger and composer – launches his new album Iladi with two Cape Town concerts

Through his searching, saxophonist, arranger and composer Linda Sikhakhane epitomises the vibrant evolution of South Africa’s jazz landscape. The Umlazi-born and KwaNongoma descendant musician establishes a conversation between the contemporary and traditional, homegrown and global while steeping his ruminations on the personal, societal, spiritual and cultural in rich tones. Owing inspiration to greats such as John Coltrane, Bheki Mseleku and Winston Mankunku Ngozi, Sikhakhane’s style is informed by the interplay between the metropolitan and the folkloric. His offerings deftly align these sonic influences with theoretical concepts drawn from both hereditary customs and academic abstraction.

Origin story

He began his musical journey at the Siyakhula Music Centre under the gentle guidance of the late Dr. Brian Thusi which saw him completing a Diploma In Jazz at the University Of KwaZulu Natal. His determination led to a relentless work schedule performing live and also in the studio with Nduduzo Makhathini, his longtime mentor, the H3 horn ensemble and many others. Emerging victorious at the SAMRO Overseas Scholarship competition in 2016, he utilized the prize money to fund his degree programme at The New School in New York. Here, he was mentored by greats such as Billy Harper, Reggie Workman, DavidSchnitter and Charles Tolliver. Sikhakhane is a 2x SAMA and Metro Fm awards nominee for Best Jazz Album with three albums under his name and was named the Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz in 2022.

He has worked with a broad array of artists: Nduduzo Makhathini, Sibongile Khumalo,Themba Mkhize, Letta Mbuli, Nasheet Waits,Khaya Mahlangu, Gregory Porter, Rodney Kendrick, Rhonda Ross Kendrick, Zakes Bantwini, Logan Richardson, Derrick Hodge, Ted Daniel, Thandiswa Mazwai, Herbie Tsoaeli, Somi and more. He has appeared in many stages locally and abroad such as Makhanda Jazz Festival, Joy Of Jazz, Lincoln Center, Mamajaz, Caramoor Jazz Festival, The Bird’s Eye Jazz Club, Ronnie Scott’s, Elphilharmonie (Hamburg), just to name a few.

Linda Sikhakhane’s ‘ILadi” Proves SA’s Neo- Jazz Movement is in full swing

Neo-Jazz Movement Is In Full Swing Linda Sikhakhane’s debut project with Universal Music Group Africa, titled Iladi marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. This album, a vibrant contribution to the South African neo-jazz movement, is a testament to Sikhakhane’s innovative approach to blending traditional South African rhythms with contemporary jazz elements. Each track on this album showcases his profound musicality and deep connection to his roots. Hailing from Umlazi Township near Durban and tracing ancestry to KwaNongoma (“place of the diviner or mother of song”), Sikhakhane’s journey into music began at a young age, nurtured by a rich cultural heritage and an innate passion for sound. His exceptional skill on the saxophone, honed through formal education and collaborations with renowned artists both locally and internationally, has positioned him as a rising star in the jazz world. Recognised for his ability to weave intricate melodies and improvisations with emotional depth, Sikhakhane continues to push the boundaries of his craft, creating a sound that is uniquely his own. Iladi is a multipurpose ritual ceremony that is underpinned by various African cultural pearls of wisdom, cited from Zulu traditions and my upbringing — this offering is a sonic transposition of this ritual, an expression of gratitude that seeks to acknowledge all gifts and guidance on my journey” – Linda Sikhakhane

1. iGosa (guardian/leader) – This opening piece is a tribute to all those who come before us, the ones who have paved the way. In African epistemology all rituals and ceremonies begin with honour, an invitation of wisdom from our master which extends to ancestry lineage.

2. Inkehli – Translated from Zulu – it is a name given to a woman who is transitioning into being a wife in a traditional sense, one that holds prominence

related to her centrality to the family because of various roles such as being a mother. This piece is an ode to matriarchy.

3. Ukukhushulwa (transcendence) – this piece represents the sonic as a mode for reaching beyond ordinary limitations and also speaks to growth as an eternal phenomenon.

4. Umhlahlandela (a guide) – The master-disciple relationship has a deep level of significance in African culture, it is symbolic of passing down knowledge and preservation of legacies. This track is a sonic attempt manifestation of these principles and also a map for seeking to eternity.

5. Idatshana (a short tale) – The title of this track embodies the borrowing of African folktales as an imaginative space, and it also touches on a summary of a lived experience.

6. Mama (mother) – This piece is a dedication to Sikhakhane’s mother where life begins and source of inspiration. It also seeks to acknowledge feminine energy as an important force that drives humanity.

7. Influential Moments – This piece captures the pivotal moments that have shaped Sikhakhane’s musical journey and acknowledges Zulu cultural wisdom as the signifier.

8. Ecako (home) – This is an exploration on notions of home and how these create possibilities of projecting sound from a place of originality. Iladi is not just a collection of songs but a cohesive narrative that reflects Linda Sikhakhane’s artistic journey and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of jazz. By contributing to the SA neo-jazz movement, Sikhakhane is helping to redefine the genre for a new generation, ensuring that the rich legacy of South African music continues to evolve and inspire.

✳ Linda Sikhakhane who won the 2022 Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz, will play two concerts in Cape Town, to launch his new album Iladi: Thursday October 3, 2024 at Café Roux in Noordhoek at 7pm and Saturday October 5, 2024 at Athletic Club and Social at 8pm. See box for booking details. Sponsored content. Images supplied.