Listen to Linda Sikhakhane’s new album Isambulo

The offering, which Sikhakhane describes as a “spiritual experience”, features themes that mirror historical events that enable one to tap into yourself. Featured artists include Matthias Spillmann (Switzerland), Anna Widauer (Austria) and Paras (South Africa).

The project is a result of imagined journeys, depicting a traveller who discovers maps through music and imagination. Isambulo, in Sikhakhane’s native Zulu language, means revelation.

“With this particular project, I borrowed deeply from various religious concepts,” the saxophonist said. “This statement is supported through the body of work as each song takes you through those religious concepts. The creative process alone of this project has revealed that tomorrow is not yet confirmed but one can really embrace the now.”

Ropeadope CEO Louis Marks said: “The music of Linda Sikhakhane deeply moves us as we move further into global interdependence.”

Born in Durban, Sikhakhane announced himself to the world with his 2017 debut offering Two Sides, One Mirror which featured a superior cast of young mavericks in the improvised music scene. The compositions were lyrical, offering the listener a chance to remain fully immersed in the spiritual aspects of the music while concurrently admiring the studious nature of its technical proficiency.

In 2020, Apple Music listed him as its Artist of the Month in November, thanks to his album An Open Dialogue, making him the second South African jazz musician to achieve the feat. The album was also nominated for a SAMA Best Jazz Album category.

He has worked with an array of local artists, including the late Sibongile Khumalo, Khaya Mahlangu, Nduduzo Makhathini, Thandiswa Mazwai and Herbie Tsoaeli, as well as American musicians Gregory Porter, Rodney Kendrick, Rhonda Ross Kendrick, Logan Richardson, Derrick Hodge and Ted Daniel.

Isambulo is available for streaming and download on all major digital platforms.