Linda Sikhakhane at Hugh's Jazz Club

Through his searching, saxophonist, composer and Blue Note artist Linda Sikhakhane

epitomises 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 programme 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.

Doors open at 18:00

The show begins promptly at 19:30

Please refer to our website for FAQ's.

www.hughs.co.za

Tickets are non-refundable