Play me a song, you’re the piano man

Master pianist Nduduzo Makhathini will play at the Luthuli Museum in Groutville as part of the annual Luthuli lecture pre-celebrations on Friday, November 4.

Doors open at 6pm and entrance is free.

He will also give a performance workshop to pupils from the Ilembe District.

Makhathini will be joined by his band: Justin Bellairs on alto sax, Siyanda Zulu on trumpet, Stanley Matlou on drums and Dalisu Ndlazi on double bass.Growing up in the small town uMgungundlovu, Makhathini was surrounded by music as a child.

His mother was a pianist and his father a guitarist and he was exposed to a range of music including traditional Zulu sound.He recalls turning the knob on the radio until it reached the end where he would find and listen to Indian music.

Makhathini was a member of the choir at school and would sing at church.

It was only after high school that he started to study jazz piano.

“I reached a point where my voice limited me from expressing the music, and that’s when I focused on the piano.”

He feels his career has developed in what he describes as `an organic process’, starting with his upbringing and the influence of his mother as his first piano teacher.

“Over the years, I have learnt that if you submit yourself to the music or whatever your dream is, mother-nature has a way of taking care of the rest”.

Nduduzo Makhathini has released six albums including Mother Tongue, nominated for best jazz album at the 2015 SAMAs.

The performances by Makhathini are part of the Concerts SA Venue Circuit which aims to grow a love and support for live music in local communities.

For more information visit https://concertssa.co.za.

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