Norwegian-tinged Afro jazz

TOMORROW, enjoy the festive jazz mood with Durban-born trumpet player Ndabo Zulu and his band in the Sunday Jazz Sundowners at the BAT Centre.

The festive line-up will feature Zulu on trumpet joined by Linda Sikhakhane on tenor saxophone, Sanele phakathi on piano, Benjamin Jephta on bass and Sphelelo Mazibuko on drums.

Zulu was born in Durban and grew up in Chesterville, where he started playing trumpet under the Field Band Foundation. The trumpeter is now in his final year as a music student in Norway at the University of Stavanger after winning the Jazz i Sikte competition. “It was a bit overwhelming because there were many great bands competing for the same price.

“It has opened a lot of doors for me in Norway,” he said.

He is also founder and leader of the Zulu sextet, formed in 2014; the band plays original compositions written by them. Their sound is known as modern energetic jazz with local rhythms and is infused with their personalities.

Recently, Zulu expanded his sound to include Nordic influences.

“I have modern approaches because of the music I’m listening to, but it’s blended with my African roots,” he said.

Zulu mentioned musicians such as Nduduzo Makhathini, Ambrose Akinmusire, Herbie Tsoaeli and Robert Glasper, as his main inspiration that made him pursue music and said he was privileged to play in his home town.

They will be joined by Ukhozi FM for a live broadcast from 6-8pm at the BAT Centre. Admission is free.

Show starts at 3pm.