Classical jazz fuses with Xhosa rhythm

Mdantsane muso is back with new album

SOUTH African Music Awards (SAMA) nominated East London trumpeter, songwriter and composer Lwanda Gogwana is back with a brand-new album,

“Hence the birth of Uhadi Synth,” explained Gogwana.

On the album Gogwana has featured two of his longtime friends, Sisonke Xonti and Sakhile Moleshe, who also featured on his debut album.

Also present is pianist Kyle Shepherd, and on bass and drums are Amaeshi Ikechi and Lungile Kunene.

“I was fortunate to have all the musicians that are featured on the album present on the launch day.

“I also had Dumza Maswana, with whom I worked on a new song based on the #FeesMustFall movement,” he said.

He said the album, which he started working on late last year, pays homage to and honours one of his greatest inspirations, the late legendary South African jazz innovator Zim Ngqawana in a classical jazz standard He said his arrangement on the song

featuring Sakhile Moleshe, offered warm, laid-back, jazzy vocals and hints of that classic 1940s big band swing sound.

Gogwana said he would be bringing his new music to the Eastern Cape next month.

“I have a gala dinner performance in Stutterheim on December 3, and I am planning on doing a number of performances around East London.

“At the moment I am looking for a venue that can accommodate me on December 2.

“I am also in talks with Retsi Pule – we want to do a number of performances during the festive season,” he said.

is available at Music Mix and in all online digital stores. —