“My approach to jazz is a very communal one” says Nduduzo Makhathini

Jazz artist Nduduzo Makhathini spoke of how he makes music with intentions to heal people. Speaking to TshisaLive the Award winner  further elaborated on how being a Sangoma has led him to release an album that is all about healing and saving people. He released his eighth album, titled Ikhambi (herbal concoction)  and said although his songs capture the pain, they also lead to healing.

“I create music that is grounded in African traditions but has overtones of jazz music. Within that I try to focus on finding new ways of packaging culture. Currently I’ve been working through ‘ubuNgoma’ (traditional healing. ) So we are trying to think about what does ubuNgoma mean for a pianist and how do we package ubuNgoma in a modernised society to create interest,” he said.

Nduduzo went on to say explain how his approach to Jazz is communal. “Pain can be seen in a lot of different ways. There’s losing a loved one and the pain of looking at society and realising how we have not progressed in so many years in terms of things like the colour of our skin, liberation, segregation and things like that. My approach to jazz is a very communal one.”

Makhathini is a BA Music graduate (jazz piano major), he went on to say that his initial plan was not to study music, he’s grateful he did so because he produces well-thought out music.