5, 6, 7 May
In association with Concerts SA, iSupport Music Business and Rainbow Restaurant present the brilliant Linda Sikhakhane, winner of the 2016 SAMRO Overseas Scholarship for Instrumentalists in Jazz, live in concert before he pursues his dreams to further his studies in New York from August 2017.
For this concert series in KwaZulu-Natal Sikhakhane and his band will visit Luthuli Museum in Groutville on Friday 5 May, Seaman’s Corner in Hammarsdale on Saturday 6 May and Rainbow Restaurant in Pinetown- where he got his first paid gig, performing with Brian back in 2008- on Sunday 7 May.
Saxophonist, composer and arranger Linda Sikhakhane was born in Umlazi Township. His musical journey began in primary school, taking recorder lessons with Mrs V Rajmoney at Clairwood Boys Primary School. His love for music, especially jazz, was triggered at an early age. This saw him attending music classes under the tutelage of the legendary Dr Brian Thusi and Mr Khulekani Bhengu. He then enrolled to study jazz music at the University of KwaZulu-Natal under Prof Mageshen Naidoo and he obtained a Diploma in Jazz /Pop Music.
Sikhakhane has played with respected South African and international artists such as Barney Rachabane, Brian Thusi, Feya Faku, Marcus Wyatt, Herbie Tsoaeli, Andile Yenana, Nduduzo Makhathini, Afrika Mkhize, Sibongile Khumalo, Lindiwe Maxolo, Ringo Madlingozi, Gregory Potter and Malcolm Braff. He features on Nduduzo Makhathini’s Mother Tongue album and formed part of Afrika Mkhize’s Septet which performed at the Orbit’s 2nd Anniversary.
Sikhakhane is also a co-founder of the hip group H3 (originated in Durban but now Johannesburg based), he is the 3rd member of their amazing horn section, well known for their unique sound. They appear on many South African records such McCoy Mrubata’s Brasskap record, Zakes Bantwini’s “Dance”, Thuto Motsemme’s “My Dream”, Asanda Msaki Mvana’s “Full Circle” and many more. Sikhakhane believes H3 gave them the opportunity to express themselves through composing and arranging music of their choice, while also allowing them to echo the sounds of the grand masters.
His line-up for the concerts will be Sakhile Simani on flugelhorn and trumpet, Sanele Phakathi on keys, Sphelelo Mazibuko on drums and Nhlanhla Radebe on double bass guitar.
These performances are part of the Concerts SA Venue Circuit which aims to grow a love and support for live music in our communities, as well as anchor small and medium sized venues in urban and rural Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape.
Concerts SA is a joint South African/Norwegian live music development project housed within the SAMRO Foundation. Concerts SA receives financial, administrative and technical support from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SAMRO, the SAMRO Foundation and Concerts Norway. Working with musicians, promoters, venue owners and audiences, and providing support to the sector through research and skills development for music professionals, the project aims to build a vibrant and viable live music circuit in southern Africa. It also aims to develop an interest in and appreciation of live music by showcasing music performances and conducting workshops at schools.
For more information please visit our website http://concertssa.co.za, follow @ConcertsSA on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ConcertsSA or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ConcertsSA.
Friday 5 May – Luthuli Museum – Groutville
Doors open 6.00pm
Tickets: R30 at the door
Saturday 6 May – Seaman’s Corner – Hammarsdale
Doors open 7.00pm
Tickets: R30 at the door
Unit 3, Mpumalanga Township, Hammarsdale
Sunday 7 May – Rainbow Restaurant – Pinetown
Doors open: 1pm
Tickets: R80
Bookings: www.webtickets.co.za