University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) final year music student, jazz vocalist, composer and arranger Nombuso Ratsha will perform at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music this coming Friday 16 August.  Nombuso was born and raised in Richmond Farm, Durban.  She has been a member of the UKZN Big Band for over two years.  Jazz enthusiasts will witness her performing various standards, combining jazz with other genres such as opera, and her very own compositions.

She will be joined by bassist Freeman Gumede, drummer Lesedi Thloloe and pianists Sihle Mkhize and Ayanda Mfiki.  Other band members will include drummer Boy Mokhatla who is also the drummer for the Standard Bank Youth Band, vocalist Andiswa Maduna, Mbuso Nxumalo who is UKZN’s choir music director, vocalists Nomthandazo Madiya and Menzi Cele, special guest Dr Christopher Cockburn on piano, opera students Phila Mashabane and Luxolo Mahlasela.

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music is located at Level 2, Shepstone Building at UKZN Howard College Campus.  This concert will serve as Women’s Month celebration as tickets will be sold at R60. Doors will open at 18h00 and the show starts at 19h00.  A diverse line up of musicians will surely leave an indelible mark on this year’s Women’s Month celebration.