Jaryd Philander

“Jazz is not just music, it’s a way of life, it’s a way of being, a way of thinking” – Nina Simone

The above quote in my bio describes my feelings and my passion for music and what it means to me as a musician. My name is Jaryd Philander and I am 29 years old, born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa.

My first induction into music, started when I was 11 years old and I started taking up classical guitar lessons with a local teacher. I moved on to serving in the worship band in my church. I have served in the worship band for the past 13years. I am currently the Music director at a student church, named RedPost Church which is based in Rondebosch.

I wanted to pursue my passion for music and enlisted the help of some of Cape Town’s jazz teachers. After receiving training and education from the likes of Elton Goslett , the great Alvin Dyers and currently Michael Bester, I have been able to develop my craft and skills as a jazz guitarist.

In 2019, I was gigging at various venues and hotels such as the Cullinan Hotel and Mojo Market. I started up my own jazz band called Ntsikelelo which means “blessing” and throughout 2019 we had gigs at venues such as the Drawing Room Café, Jazz in the Native Yards, The Crypt and Selective Live.

In 2022 I decided to start my own project under my own name and have been fortunate enough to play at venues such as Mojo Market,Cullen Hotel, Jazz in the Native Yards, The Commons, Art of Duplicity, Urban Soul Café as well as doing corporate gigs at KPMG this year.

As an artist, I wish to establish my brand internationally, with a fusion of sounds combining African, Bebop and Modern Jazz together to produce my own personal sound as a guitarist.