Iladi

This work will unfold as a two-dimensional engagement, a dialogue where Linda Sikhakhane will be speaking through the themes of Iladi as a sonic transposition of this ritual and performance with his quartet and Sakhile Simani, who will be making a special appearance.

Iladi is a multipurpose ritual ceremony that is underpinned by various African cultural pearls of wisdom, cited from Zulu traditions and my upbringing — this offering is a sonic transposition of this ritual, an expression of gratitude that seeks to acknowledge all gifts and guidance on my journey.” - Linda Sikhakhane

About Linda Sikhakhane

Through his searching, saxophonist, composer, and Blue Note artist Linda Sikhakhane epitomizes the vibrant evolution of South Africa’s jazz landscape. The Umlazi-born and KwaNongoma descendant musician establishes a conversation between the contemporary and traditional, homegrown and global, while steeping his ruminations on the personal, societal, spiritual, and cultural in rich tones. Owing inspiration to greats such as John Coltrane, Bheki Mseleku, Winston Mankunku Ngozi, Nduduzo Makhathini, Sikhakhane’s style is informed by the interplay between the metropolitan and the folkloric. His offerings deftly align these sonic influences with theoretical concepts drawn from both hereditary customs and academic abstraction.

He began his musical journey at the Siyakhula Music Centre under the gentle guidance of the late Dr. Brian Thusi, which saw him completing a diploma in jazz at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. His determination led to a relentless work schedule performing live and also in the studio with Nduduzo Makhathini, his longtime mentor, the H3 horn ensemble, and many others. Emerging victorious at the SAMRO Overseas Scholarship competition in 2016, he utilized the prize money to fund his degree program at The New School in New York. Here, he was mentored by greats such as Billy Harper, Reggie Workman, David Schnitter, and Charles Tolliver.

Sikhakhane is a 2x SAMA and Metro FM Awards nominee for Best Jazz Album with three albums under his name and was named the Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz in 2022. He has worked with a broad array of artists: Nduduzo Makhathini, Sibongile Khumalo, Themba Mkhize, Letta Mbuli, Nasheet Waits, Khaya Mahlangu, Gregory Porter, Rodney Kendrick, Rhonda Ross Kendrick, Zakes Bantwini, Logan Richardson, Derrick Hodge, Ted Daniel, Thandiswa Mazwai, Herbie Tsoaeli, Somi, and more. He has appeared in many stages locally and abroad, such as Makhanda Jazz Festival, Joy Of Jazz, Lincoln Center, Mamajaz, Caramoor Jazz Festival, The Bird’s Eye Jazz Club, Ronnie Scott’s, Elphilharmonie (Hamburg), just to name a few