Makhathini links jazz to Bantu cosmology
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
South African pianist Nduduzo Makhathini connects jazz to Bantu cosmologies, spirituality, and his country’s history through his music.
Makhathini describes the piano as a tool for thought, questioning, and seeking healing power in sound. He first connected with the instrument by watching his mother play, memorizing the “forms” of her music. Makhathini explains that South African jazz is rooted in complex questions of place, knowledge, and the need for protest, emphasizing the importance of understanding its historical context.
He views his creative practice as a way of thinking, criticizing, developing theory, and raising questions, integrating music with thought itself. His latest album, “The Myth We Choose,” critiques how societies create myths and the importance of conscious storytelling. Makhathini believes hope is itself an action, enabling deep sonic vibrations with healing potential. He also credits his son, Thingo, with shaping the album’s overall vision and values learning from his children as a unique experience.
He will perform with Dalisu Ndlazi and Lukmilu Perezu Herrera at the Vilnius Jazz festival, describing them as sensitive musicians who prioritize listening and storytelling in their music.
