Nduduzo Makhathini

Nduduzo Makhathini grew up in umGungundlovu, South Africa, where music and rituals were deeply intertwined. This region holds historical significance as the former seat of King Zulu, Dingane. Music plays a crucial role in the culture of the Zulu warriors, serving as both motivation and healing – a foundation of Makhathini’s vision.

The church also influenced his musical journey, and the legends of South African jazz, such as Bheki Mseleku, Moses Molelekwa, and Abdullah Ibrahim, became significant inspirations. Through Mseleku, he discovered John Coltrane’s quartet music and McCoy Tyner’s playing, helping him find his own voice as a pianist. Other influences include Andrew Hill, Randy Weston, and Don Pullen.

As an educator, Makhathini leads the music department at Fort Hare University. He has performed at prestigious festivals, including the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Essence Festival, and at New York’s Blue Note and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Since 2014, he has released eight albums under his Gundu Entertainment label, earning numerous awards. His first album for Universal Music South Africa, Ikhambi (2017), won a SAMA award. In 2020, his debut album for Blue Note, Modes of Communication: Letters from the Underworlds, received critical acclaim. In 2022, he released In The Spirit of Ntu, and in 2024, uNomkhubulwane. He will perform at Jassmine for the second time.