SEDIBENG – The Sebokeng born and raised jazz instrumentalist and professor won the Best Jazz Presenter in the country during Mzansi Jazz Award hosted recently at Soweto Theatre.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Dingalo shared his reaction on his first attempt to take part on the awards.

“I am grateful that I won the award on my first attempt after joining the competition. I have never tried to compete in these awards and having won as a first-time nominee, means a lot to me,” he said.

Sharing his journey in the music industry, particularly in Jazz, Dingalo said he studied music and felt in love with the abovementioned genre in his early age.

“I studied for a diploma in Arts at Funda Community College in Soweto. Following the completion of my diploma, I went on to study for an Advanced Arts Certificate from Widnes England in 2001,” he added.

Dingalo who worked as a music facilitator at local schools including Fundulwazi Secondary School, Mphethi Mahlatsi and Masibambane College added that he nurtured his craft through working with a number of Jazz groups.

“In the past, I worked with bands such as Bow & Arrow, New Blood and others. Following my hard work, I then joined Thetha FM in 2009 and shortly I was given a jazz show which led to becoming recognized by the likes of Jazz By the river, Sedibeng Summer Festival and the Cape Town Jazz Festival as the face, and advisor and a stage manager. This is how I nurtured my skills,” he said.

The overly cheerful award winning presenter and musician thanked those who voted for him and helping him in bringing the award home.

“I would like to thank Thetha FM listeners who voted for me to becoming the best Jazz Presenter in the whole country, I am very honoured,” he said

Dingalo plays instruments such as Marimba, Clarinet & Saxophones during his spare time.