L'Donga

Esihle Valela is a young jazz saxophonist, composer, and director from the Eastern Cape who grew up in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, one of the most underdeveloped areas of the region. Esihle is dedicated to creating a better life for himself and his community through music, striving to lead by example and pave the way for aspiring musicians.

He started playing the saxophone at the age of 14, under the tutelage of Gcinikhaya Mnyamana, and polished his skills under Ferenaaz Van Der Schyff, an acclaimed classical guitarist and vocalist. Throughout his high school years, he was a vital member of the All-Star Band, collaborating with notable musicians such as Donvino Prins, Camillo Lombard, and Mandisi Dyantyis, who were instrumental in the Cape Town Jazz Festival (CTJF).

In he's career thus far, Esihle has had the privilege of sharing the stage with legendary South African musicians, includings George Werner, Tete Mbambisa, Khaya Mahlangu, Ronel Nagfel, Keith Tabisher, Mark De Kock, Mark Fransman, Afrika Mkhize, Peter Ndlala, and many others. In 2024, he was selected for the Youth Band at the National Youth Jazz Festival in Makhanda, where he had the opportunity to jam with international artists like Miguel Alvarado and Siya Charles Barnard Ayisa and many more.

A long-time member of the Little Giants, Esihle continues to grow as a performing artist by writing and playing original music. His compositions often pay tribute to the legends who have shaped the South African music scene, highlighting the importance of artistic freedom and expression.