Artists

South African saxophonist Linda Sikhakhane released her new album Iladi via Blue Note/Universal Music Africa on July 12. The album was produced by Sikhakhane’s frequent collaborator Nduduzo Makhathini , who also plays piano with Zwelakhe-Duma Bell le Pere on bass and Kweku Sumbry on drums. Iladi features eight evocative original Sikhakhane compositions, including the superb single “Inkehli”.

Linda Sikhakhane is a South African saxophonist, composer and arranger. Born in the township of Umlazi near Durban, his passion for music was awakened at an early age. At the age of 10, he began taking music lessons at elementary school, and later took jazz lessons under the guidance of Dr Brian Thusi at his local Siyakhula Music Center. In 2012, he completed a degree in jazz and popular music at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, under the guidance of Professor Mageshen Naidoo.

Sikhakhane has performed and recorded with respected South African and international artists such as Brian Thusi, Barney Rachabane, Feya Faku, Marcus Wyatt, Herbie Tsoaeli, Andile Yenana, Nduduzo Makhathini, Afrika Mkhize, Sibongile Khumalo, Gregory Potter, Reggie Workman, and many others. In 2016, he won the SAMRO Overseas Scholarship and released his debut album entitled *Two Sides, One Mirror* in 2017.

Linda moved to New York in 2017 and enrolled at The New School University as a transfer student to complete his Bachelor’s degree in jazz, where he studied with greats Billy Harper, David Schnitter and Reggie Workman.