Having pursued a musical journey from Umlazi in KwaZulu-Natal to New York and back, saxophonist Linda Sikhakane’s compositions and performances reflect a global jazz outlook that is firmly rooted in the local.
His early mentors included Brian Thusi and Nduduzo Makhathini in South Africa and Billy Harper, Reggie Workman, David Schnitter and Charles Tolliver in the United States.
The 31-year-old Sikhakane spoke about his journey.
“After pursuing a career at Siyakhula Music Centre, which was led by Brian Thusi, I saw that there was more than being a soccer player or a teacher,” he said.
At the age of 11, Sikhakhane discovered his journey was to play for his national team and also for any African team that participated in the “Soccer World Cup” for jazz.
“It was not challenging for me in pursuing a career in jazz as the genre is historic.
“Growing in a township, I had to come up with a solution to prevent myself from criminal activities. I knew what I was capable of, so giving up [jazz] was not an option.”
Sikhakane said be did not encounter any challenges growing up as he was mentored by seasoned jazz musicians.
“I appreciate how my mentor has been supporting me throughout. I truly appreciate the support as it is not easy to carry this weight.”
Sikhakhane completed his degree at New School in New York after winning the Samro Overseas Scholarship.
He has enrolled for a master’s degree at the Norwegian Academy of Music.
But this saxophonist extraordinaire’s creative output has not been limited to his studies — he cut his teeth through many hours in the recording studio and on stage, working with musical artists ranging from the late Sibongile Khumalo to Thandiswa Mazwai, Feya Faku and Marcus Wyatt.
“Working with Nduduzo Makhathini has made me acquire skills that are more polished as he’s an internationally acclaimed artist who has performed on big stages.”
Sikhakhane said his upcoming performance at the National Arts Festival, titled Iladi: A Thanksgiving Meditation In Two Movements, is about gratitude for the support he received.
“There will be a whole band that will borrow music from previous projects and the upcoming album,” he said of his his new album, which speaks to the people of the Atlantic.
“Working with Nduduzo Makhathini has made me acquire skills that are more polished as he’s an internationally acclaimed artist who has performed on big stages.”
“I have countless collaborations with a number of prominent jazz musicians.”
Sikhakhane returns with the follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2017 debut album, Two Sides, One Mirror.
Recorded as part of his senior recital at New School in New York, his new album, An Open Dialogue, is a staggering work that impresses with its sonic exploration of the yonder.
Iladi: A Thanksgiving Meditation In Two Movements runs at the DSG hall on June 30 at 5pm.
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