Jazz it out

He is known for giving his best effort in everything he does. His motto is “put the music first” and those that perform it should be sensitive to the ear. Pianist, teacher, director, producer and arranger Sibonelo Nxumalo was born in Mandeni and moved to Inanda before he began primary school. The household where he grew up was very religious. “My late grandmother was a pastor. Sundays meant that we went to church which was compulsory”, he told Jazz It Out.

Growing in a religious home meant that music was part of their daily lives and the family prayed every evening. His grandmother’s favourite hymn was “Icilongo” which she taught them how to sing. Staying in a mission house gave Sibonelo access to instruments played at church. He knew how the keyboard sounded even when it was off. This is how his love for the keys began and was determined to play it with proficiency.

His fondest primary school memories include singing a couple of songs before praying at the assembly. “I would be hearing the sound of the keyboard in my head while we were singing”, he recalls. At high school, he fell in love with the sound of keyboard coming from township churches known as “itende” or “ematendeni”. “Itende” means “tent” in IsiZulu. These churches did not construct buildings like Lutheran, Catholic, Methodist, Anglican due to budgetary contraints. All they could afford to do was to erect tents.

Pianist Sibonelo Nxumalo. Picture supplied

Sibonelo was an extremely disciplined and focussed high school learner whose love for the keyboard did not negatively affect his academic programme. On his final year at high school, he applied to study law at University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). His good marks earned him a place at the Faculty of Law but he had other ideas. He knew very well that music was his first love. Another challenge his family was faced with was the exorbitant registration fee for the legal qualification. He convinced his family to do something different and he knew what his game plan was.

He received sponsorship to enrol for a music programme at The BAT Centre. From being accustomed to music played in his neighbourhood of Inanda, he was introduced to Jazz by Xolani Hlongwa, whom he holds in high regard. “Mr Hlongwa is one of the best Jazz teachers I know. His resume speaks volumes”, he said. Some of Hlongwa’s former students include bassist Dalisu Ndlazi and pianist Sanele Phakathi. “He gave me an opportunity of a lifetime. It’s because of what he taught me that I am able to interpret music”, singing praises for his mentor.

Sibonelo’s good academic results and diligence at The BAT Centre led to his acceptance at the UKZN Music School where he enrolled for a B Music. “My enrolment at UKZN was a huge relief but overwhelming because I found myself in a space where my peers were way ahead of me musically”, he said. This taught him consistency, patience and hard work. He practiced a lot more because he knew what he wanted to achieve and expectations from his community of Inanda. His closest friend was Nhlakanipho Zulu. Just like him, Nhlakanipho had largely been exposed to “itende” music but was also eager to learn Jazz.

The church played a huge influence in his decision to become a musician. Picture supplied

One of his lecturers, Ms Debbie Mari, requested him to start teaching and sharing knowledge at UKUSA Outreach Programme, as he was an exceptional student at UKZN. He grabbed the opportunity with both hands. It was his friend Nhlakanipho who made the referral as UKUSA needed someone with a background in music production which he had been doing since high school. “That played a pivotal role in my acceptance which is something I was grateful for”, he said.

Sibonelo’s greatest fulfilment is producing exceptional and timeless projects for all the musicians he gets to work with. “I always feel a great sense of satisfaction when my work touches people of any race, gender, or ethnicity in a meaningful way be it spiritually, emotionally or physically”, he said. His hard work is synonymous with reliability, skilfulness, commitment, dedication and excellence. The list of his accomplishments tells a story of a creative who is destined for success. To add to that is his versatility and willingness to work with musicians who perform different genres.

The workaholic has performed at The KZN International Jazz Festival, Durban Jazz Festival, Past Meets The Future, Sundowners Concert & Poetry at the Durban Playhouse, and the Midlands Music & Heritage Experience. Sibonelo was a contestant at the 2023 UNISA Piano Competition where he won Best Performance of an up-tempo Jazz ballad work in the 1st round, Best Performance of a South African Jazz work and 2nd place in overall Jazz Competition. He has performed with musicians from other genres such as Glen Jones, Howard Hewett, and. Alexander O’Neil.

His future plans include releasing his own music. He wishes to have a music programme at his former high school that will groom future musicians. “I also want to travel the world touring with different artists”, he said. When he is not recording, producing or performing, he enjoys watching thought provoking documentaries and playing chess. Sanele Phakathi, Afrika Mkhize, McCoy Tyner, Oscar Peterson and Taylor Eigsti are some of his favourite musicians. His Facebook account is Sbonelo Nxumalo and follow him on Instagram @sibonelo_zwide.