“Isambulo” is a project by South African jazz saxophonist and composer Linda Sikhakhane that was developed in collaboration with Swiss musicians during his 2020 research trip in Switzerland. The project explores sacred realities and a continuous process for discovery through music. The backdrop of the project is the story of a traveller, a “gifted being that imagines songs as a map to unknown destinations, inspired by memory and seeks through potential time with the hope of finding revelation”.

Following the recording and touring of “Isambulo” in Switzerland, the project now comes home to South Africa where the collaboration will continue through a series of workshops to develop the material and performances. Swiss musicians Lucca Fries (piano) and Jonas Ruther (drums), with French bassist Géraud Portal and South African voalist Paras join Linda for this phase of the project.

BIOGRAPHY

Linda Sikhakhane is a South African saxophonist and composer born in Umlazi, Durban. His love for music, especially Jazz, was triggered at an early age and this saw him attending music classes under the tutelage of Dr Brian Thusi and Mr Khulekani Bhengu. He then enrolled to study Music at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). Linda has played with many respected South African musicians and shared the stage with many international artists. He has been involved in numerous projects as a mentor and teacher of music to young pupils. While still at UKZN he was awarded bursaries from SAMRO, the National Arts Council and the Leeds Youth Big Band. Linda was named the Standard Bank’s Young Artist for Jazz winner in 2022.