South African Jazz pianist and composer Samkelo Njinji has released his debut single, “Prayer”, a deeply emotional solo piano piece recorded live at Linda’s Seaside Spot (BAT Centre) in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The tune captures the raw intimacy of live performance and offers listeners a glimpse into Njinji’s musical soul. It is rooted in South African Jazz traditions but also reflects personal feelings. “Prayer” unfolds as a thoughtful journey, a dialogue between spirit, sound, and silence.

“Usually when I perform live, my performance starts with an unrehearsed piano solo where I intercede and dedicate the show ahead”, says Njinji. “Why Prayer? I grew up in a family that believes in nothing but prayer. My father didn’t own any weapon but believed that prayer would protect us even against physical attacks. ‘Prayer’ being unrehearsed, changes every time I get on stage, just like a real prayer. You pray about what your heart desires at that moment while being led by the spirit. For me, music as a whole is my default language to communicate with God. There are times in life when you cannot express yourself in words; that’s when melodies become my escape. They interpret what I feel inside”, he explained.

Pianist Samkelo Njinji. Picture MfikiNation

With “Prayer”, Njinji introduces himself as a new voice in South Africa’s Jazz scene. He is a pianist whose sensitivity and skill connect traditional and modern styles, personal and universal themes. “This piece precedes a full body of work that will come out in 2026. This, in essence, is me interceding for that full body of work, an album. I am laying a foundation in the only way I know how”, he added. Samkelo is a Durban-born Jazz pianist, composer, and performer whose work explored themes of spirituality, identity, and place.

Blending improvisation with soulful melodies, his music reflects both his South African roots and a global Jazz influence. “Prayer” marks his debut as a solo recording artist sets the stage for future projects and performances. Njinji credits his former music teachers for guiding him to this point through the knowledge they shared. He has been mentored by Xolani Hlongwane, Melvin Peters, Sibusiso “Mash” Mashiloane, Andile Yenana, Bheki Khoza and many others.