Sikakane will be performing for the first time since the release of his new album this weekend at Untitled Basement in Johannesburg.
Saxophonist Linda Sikakhane says signing to one of the world's most renowned music labels, Blue Note Records, did not put him under any pressure but rather gave him confidence that he was on the right path, especially since his former mentor, Nduduzo Makhathini, is also on the label.
“It's a real honour. To be signed to the same label as someone who was my mentor shows that someone cares about what I'm doing and that I'm on the right path,” Shikakane said. The Citizen.
Blue Note Records is an American jazz record label founded in 1939 by German-Jewish immigrants Alfred Lion and Max Margulis, and takes its name from Blue Note, stands for jazz and blues.
“I trust the source very much. [the creator] “And where I get my music from. I come from a wealthy place. The work speaks for itself,” Shikakane said matter-of-factly about dealing with the pressures of signing to a major label.
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Iradi
Shikakane's latest album, Iradiis the first album to be released by the US jazz label and Universal Music Group Africa.
The album received rave reviews in 2022. Isamubro.
“Iradi “It is a versatile ritual underpinned by pearls of wisdom from various African cultures, drawn from Zulu traditions and my own upbringing,” Sikakhane asserted.
“This offering is a sonic transposition of this ritual and an expression of gratitude seeking to acknowledge all the gifts and guidance on my journey.”
He will be officially performing the album for the first time since its release in July this weekend at Untitled Basement in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
“I did a pre-performance of the album at Makunda. [National Arts festival] We participated last year as well, but this will be our first time and we will be inviting a special quartet and guests to perform.”
Shikakane said his show at Untitled Basement is centered around gratitude: “We have to be thankful for these amplified voices.”
Sikakane said signing with a US label was a testament to the work Makhathini has done. “They heard his work and became more interested in other artistes from his background,” Sikakane said humbly.
The 2022 Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz recipient said the recognition he is currently receiving is a testament to the high standard of jazz music coming out of South Africa.
“We are in a special time in South Africa right now. The whole world is watching what we are doing.”
Shikakane said the new album was born out of a strong desire to tell a story. “What was special about making this album was being in the same room as musicians who inspire me,” he said.
For iLadi, Sikakhane collaborated with musicians from the US who came to South Africa to record the eight-song album: “It's really heartwarming to see people relate to the music and themes on the album.”
“With the help of Standard Bank, I saw this as an opportunity to realise my dream. When preparing an album, it's easy to predict the outcome, but I learnt that music has the power to guide itself.”
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