Mashiloane wins prestigious award for

Durban-based pianist and composer Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane won the All Africa Music Award (Afrima) accolade for best artist in African jazz at a ceremony in Accra, Ghana, on Saturday night.

Mashiloane was nominated in two categories, best male artist in Southern Africa and best artist in African jazz.

The master pianist was nominated for the track Niza, taken from his second album, titled Rotha – A Tribute to Mama, released in 2017.

Niza is a song that was influenced by Mashiloane’s background.

“I have listened to and watched a lot of traditional dancers, from iZangoma to amaSokane and the sound and movements are what inspired me to compose Niza,” said Mashiloane, a prolific musician and teacher.

“I recognise myself and my music as embedded in the society that I call home and would not be able to compose the music I do without the influence of my country and the city I live in.

“This makes me extra proud to be able to represent my culture through music and be recognised for the creation of it,” he said. – ANA