Jazz it out

Samkelo Njinji is a pianist, composer, arranger and lecturer from Umlazi. His real surname is Magwaza but chose Njinji, his clan name as his last name when performing. He and his twin sister are the youngest children in the family. “I grew up loving soccer and dancing not knowing one day I will pursue a career in music”, he told Jazz It Out. His love for Jazz began at a tender age as his late father used to play vinyl records almost every day. That collection included recordings of legendary trumpeter Hugh Masekela.

He has fond memories of winning book reading competitions representing his primary school which served as a huge motivation to take education seriously. At 12, he began learning the keyboard from church. “I was taught to play the instrument by Mandla Shabalala whom I was always helping to connect it before the service began”, he recalls. One day he asked Shabalala to give him lessons which started immediately. He later joined a school choir and led an Isicathamiya group.

Samkelo Njinji. Picture by Ndu Khuzwayo

Gqom is the genre he enjoyed at primary school and “Stingray” by Big Nuz was one of his favourite tracks. In 2015, Samkelo began Jazz piano lessons at Umlazi Comtech under the tutelage of Xolani Hlongwane, and enrolled at The BAT Centre. His quest to master the ivory keys took him to Gamalakhe College where he was lectured by Andile Yenana, got mentorship from Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane at Durban Music School, before heading to Central Johannesburg College where he was taught by Maxwell Baloyi, Talent Khoza and Victor Mbotho.

In his career, he has shared the stage with Khaya Mahlangu, Salim Washington, Umkhubulwano Jazz Ensemble led by Ndumiso Nxele and MXO. He has also performed with Comtech Jazz Band led by Xolani Hlongwa, Durban Music School Jazz Band, and played with French artist Benjamin Faconnier. His versatility as a pianist has enabled him to play Jazz, Gospel, Neo-Soul and other music genres such as Pop with ease.

The music he composes is largely inspired by great Jazz pianists such as Bheki Mseleku, Oscar Peterson, Nduduzo Makhathini and Thandi Ntuli. “I admire these greats for their unique way of writing and their consistency in the sound they are creating”, he said. He has conceptualized the theme of his music as Njinji Street, which is the lane of healing and love. He regards himself as a messenger of hope and aims to uplift, inspire, heal and love through his music and his concept of Njinji Street.

Njinji Street is inspired by situations and incidents he went through in this journey of life. “In that process, melodies came in and Njinji Street was found, which is basically my personal story”, he said. He holds the belief that music is more than just a career but a calling. “I have seen people touched by my music and telling me how it gives them restoration. That always brings happiness to realise that I was able to bring change in someone’s life”, he explained.

He is a member of Jazz Safari, Durban Music School Jazz Band, Jazzy Shandu Ensemble and Jazzy Jazz Group. The pianist with huge ambitions hopes to travel the world performing his music, releasing albums and having his own Jazz institution inspiring young talent. Recently, he has performed with Nosihe Zulu and Derrick Mbatha. He is still a huge fan of football. His favourite musicians are Mbuso Khoza, Herbie Tsoaeli, Immanuel Wilkins and Samara Joy. Connect with him on Facebook – Samkelo Njinji. Follow him on Instagram @njinjisamkelo and subscribe to his YouTube channel – Samkelo Njinji.