A DOON Heights jazz musician, university lecturer, son, husband, and father has added another feather to his cap by graduating with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in music at the University of KwaZulu-Natal on May 7.

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Dr. Sibusiso Mashiloane plays the piano and has released eight albums since 2016, when he made his debut with Amanz’ Olwandle. He teaches music at the same institution that he graduated from. Despite Covid-19 setbacks after he started his PhD research, he worked hard over approximately six years to finalise his dissertation. He said this achievement is a testament that if South Africans stick to their indigenous sound in music, they can never go wrong.

“To all musicians of all genres, whatever music you put out, it should have that indigenous African sound, which is our identity. That would enable us to stick to what is natural and not follow what others are doing,” said Mashiloane.

He thanked Bishop Nathi Zondi for encouraging him to continue with his studies so that he is in a better position to inspire others to be inspired by cultural music. He also thanked his wife, Dr. Pheladi Mashiloane, and their son, Hubo.

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