The Offering : Live at The Basement

The Offering is a dynamic South African jazz collective born out of deep musical mastery and cultural expression. Drawing inspiration from traditional African rhythms, spiritual jazz, and contemporary improvisation, the band delivers a powerful and evocative sound that celebrates storytelling through music. Their performances are energetic yet reflective — weaving tales of heritage, community, and modern life while rooted in the rich traditions of African jazz and global influences.

Anchored by award-winning musicians and stellar artists, The Offering pushes the boundaries of modern jazz with expressive solos, rhythmic depth, and bold ensemble interplay — from fiery horn lines to driving grooves and soulful piano narratives.

Band Members & Highlights Ndabo Zulu — Trumpet

Ndabo Zulu is a highly acclaimed South African trumpeter and multiple SAMA-award recipient known for his lyrical command of the horn and genre-bridging compositions. His acclaimed project Queen Nandi: The African Symphony blends jazz with African orchestration and earned numerous awards, including Best Jazz Album and Best Duo/Group of the Year. Zulu has performed internationally and continues to shape South Africa’s jazz voice with his articulate and expressive trumpet playing.

Linda Sikhakhane — Tenor Saxophone

Linda Sikhakhane is a leading South African saxophonist, composer and arranger whose evolving voice pushes spiritual jazz forward. Born in Umlazi (Durban), he studied at UKZN before pursuing further jazz education internationally and winning the Standard Bank Young Jazz Artist award. His music bridges South African heritage and global jazz idioms — deeply influenced by traditional culture, John Coltrane-like spirituality, and contemporary improvisation. Sikhakhane has released acclaimed albums (including Iladi on Blue Note/Universal Music Africa), and has performed and recorded with jazz luminaries worldwide.

Gontse Makhene — Percussion

Gontse Makhene is a versatile percussionist whose rhythmic sensibilities have graced many major jazz recordings. Notably, he has collaborated with leading South African jazz artists on internationally recognized projects — including albums by Nduduzo Makhathini — where his percussion adds textured rhythmic layers that connect African pulse with modern jazz grooves.

Sphelelo Mazibuko — Drums

Sphelelo Mazibuko is a respected jazz drummer with a strong record of dynamic and creative performances within South Africa’s jazz circuits. Known for his adaptability and deep groove, he brings rhythmic power and subtlety to the group’s sound — driving ensemble interplay with both energy and finesse. He has collaborated with multiple artists and traveled extensively. With over years of his performance history in jazz albums and collaborations marks him as a sought-after leader on the kit.)

Dalisu Ndlazi — Bass

Dalisu Ndlazi is a compelling South African bassist whose solid time feel and harmonic foundation help anchor The Offering’s vibrant grooves. Emerging from notable jazz workshops and youth band programs, his bass work stands out for its clarity and expressive depth — providing both rhythmic support and melodic counterpoint within the band’s evolvingsoundscapes.

Zibusiso Makhathini — Piano

Zibusiso Makhathini is a rising South African jazz pianist, composer and educator from Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal. As an alumnus of the Standard Bank Youth Jazz Band and a participant in international festivals, he embodies a refined yet adventurous playing style. His piano voice blends rich harmonic colors with rhythmic agility — making him a compelling presence at the keys and a strong contributor to The Offering’s modern jazz narrative.