iLadi Linda Sikhakhane

• 1iGosa06:54
• 2Inkehli06:53
• 3Ukukhushulwa05:40
• 4Umhlahlandlela04:51
• 5Indatshana04:27
• 6Mama05:51
• 7Influential Moments (Revisited)08:42
• 8Ecako05:10
• Total Runtime48:28

Info for iLadi

South African saxophonist Linda Sikhakhane has announced his new album Iladi, which will be released on July 12 by Blue Note/Universal Music Africa. The album was produced by Sikhakhane’s frequent collaborator Nduduzo Makhathini who is also featured on piano with Zwelakhe-Duma Bell le Pere on bass and Kweku Sumbry on drums. Iladi presents eight evocative original compositions by Sikhakhane including the stunning lead single “Inkehli” which is out today.

“Iladi is a multipurpose ritual ceremony that is underpinned by various African cultural pearls of wisdom, cited from Zulu traditions and my upbringing,” says Sikhakhane. “This offering is a sonic transposition of this ritual, an expression of gratitude that seeks to acknowledge all gifts and guidance on my journey.”

Hailing from Umlazi Township near Durban, South Africa, and tracing ancestry to KwaNongoma (“place of the diviner or mother of song”), Sikhakhane’s journey into music began at a young age, nurtured by a rich cultural heritage and an innate passion for sound. His music epitomizes the vibrant evolution of South Africa’s jazz landscape with inspiration drawn from such greats such as John Coltrane and Winston Mankunku Ngozi. His exceptional skill on the saxophone, honed through formal education and collaborations with renowned artists both locally and internationally, has positioned him as a rising star on the global jazz stage. Sikhakhane was honored as the 2022 Standard Bank Young Jazz Artist.

Linda Sikhakhane, saxophone
Nduduzo Makhathini, piano
Zwelakhe-Duma Bell le Pere, bass
Kweku Sumbry, drums

Produced by Nduduzo Makhathini

Linda Sikhakhane
is a South African born saxophonist, composer and arranger. He was born in Umlazi Township near Durban where his love for music was triggered at an early age. This saw him attending music classes at the age of 10 in Junior Primary and later took up jazz lessons under the tutelage of Dr Brian Thusi at the Siyakhula Music Center in his neighbourhood. He obtained a Diploma in Jazz /Popular Music at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal under Prof Mageshen Naidoo in 2012.

Sikhakhane has played and recorded with respected South African and international artists such as Brian Thusi,Barney Rachabane, Feya Faku, Marcus Wyatt, Herbie Tsoaeli, Andile Yenana, Nduduzo Makhathini, Afrika Mkhize, Sibongile Khumalo, Gregory Potter,Reggie Workman and many more.Sikhakhane won the SAMRO Overseas Scholarship in 2016 and in 2017 released his debut album titled ‘Two Sides ,One Mirror’.

Linda re-located to New York in 2017 and enrolled at The New School University as a transfer student to complete his Bachelors degree in jazz ,he is studying with the great Billy Harper, David Schnitter & Reggie Workman. He studied further at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo.

This album contains no booklet.