Apple Music Shines The Spotlight On Modern Jazz Pioneer Linda Sikhakhane

Apple Music’s New Artist Spotlight for November is Linda Sikhakhane, a Durban-born saxophonist, bandleader and composer, and one of the foremost voices in modern South African jazz today. 

“Thinking and cultures are better expressed by a community rather than an individual. Apple Music is one community that epitomizes that and I’m really thankful to be a part of this family – it’s an absolute honor to be wearing an Apple Music New Artist Spotlight hat. Makwande (meaning let there be growth),” said Linda Sikhakhane.

Born and raised in Umlazi Township just outside of Durban, Shikhakhane’s love for music was sparked at an early age but flourished under the tutelage of Dr. Brian Thusi at Siyakhula Music Centre.. 

After earning his Diploma in Jazz/Contemporary Music from The University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Shikhakhane moved to the music industry hub of Johannesburg to make a name for himself as a saxophonist and was awarded the SAMRO overseas scholarship for best instrumentalist in 2016 shortly after.

Following two fruitful years studying under jazz grand masters at The New School in New York, Sikhakhane released his  new album,An Open Dialogue,  independently as a follow-up to his critically acclaimed debut, Two Sides, One Mirror.

This much-anticipated second album is packed full of rich, original compositions and was recorded as part of his Senior Recital at The New School. The album incorporates a multitude of skills and disciplines that he has learnt over the last two years. 

Having shared the stage with the late, great jazz trumpeter Hugh Masekela, iconic jazz saxophonist McCoy Mrubata, and legendary avant-garde jazz bassist Reggie Workman, to name but a few, Sikhakhane’s is a bright new voice in Modern Jazz.

Both albums are available on Apple Music https://music.apple.com/za/album/an-open-dialogue-live-in-new-york/1535057116