Iculo lika Mama by Zuko Yigi & Ne-ahtyah

Zuko Yigi is a jazz musician and a multi-disciplinary curator based in East London, Eastern Cape. He completed the Bachelor of Music (Honours) degree, which majors in Jazz Studies under the the supervision of Dr. Nduduzo Makhathini at the University of Fort Hare.

As an emerging Musicologist and jazz practitioner, Zuko's work follows inter and transdisciplinary approaches for investigating and performing Nguni music traditions, with major focus on the music of amaXhosa. His practice involves using visual arts and jazz performance to interrogate and interpret cultural entities and histories of amaXhosa and South African jazz. 

To this effect, he presented a paper based on his Honours essay at the South African Society of Research in Music (SASRIM) held at the University of Western Cape. Further, he is a contributor to the book Striving for Social Equity where he reflects on his background and encountering formal music education at Fort Hare University. His chapter, Finding a Perfect Note, also unpacks the challenges of studying music at an Historical Black University.

His music journey forms a rich tapestry of performances with luminaries like Jimmy Dludlu, Andile Yenana, Nduduzo Makhathini, MXO, Dumza Maswana, Lois Mhlanga, Sakhile Simani, Neahtiah, etc. Most recently, Zuko activates the city scapes through art as a technology to reimagine their purpose. He is a collaborator on many social and recreational campaigns and is committed to developing an inclusive and sustainable creative ecosystem.

He produces and presents Jazz Outside the Box at Keith Ngesi Radio station. Zuko is a curator of a series of performances featuring various musicians every Thursday. This is called Jazz and Pizza Thursdays.

Ne-ahtyah Mbuyazwe is an African jazz music songwriter, vocalist, and performer. Born in Eastern Cape Engcobo in a village called Clarkebury. She studied Bmus at the University of Fort Hare, specialising in Vocal Jazz and Jazz studies. Neahtyah’s musical journey began in East London in 2012, where she was inspired by the city’s art scene and creative geniuses.

In the early stages of her career, she flourished as a lead vocalist for the famed East London band, Highway to Heaven Alive. She recently formed part of Jazz Against Apartheid homecoming tribute for Johnny Dyani as a vocalist of The Eastern Cape sextet which comprised of icons like Sakhile Simani, Sisonke Xonti, Sakhi Nompozolo, Bra Lex Futshane , Chester Summerton and International Musicians from Frankfurt Canada and London. She is also part of the Izanusi zengoma ensemble from Altblk .

Zuko Yigi and Neahtyah collaborate on a new venture as a duo to present Iculo lika Mama, an offering which pays homage to the greatness of our mothers. This production explores different styles of Xhosa music as means of expression.