Linda M Tshabalala

Award winning jazz saxophonist Linda Tshabalala is an extraordinarily gifted musician from Johannesburg, South Africa. She possesses a diploma in jazz performance from the University of Cape Town and attained the honours degree from Tshwane University of Technology. Her musical journey truly started in 2002 when she joined the Music Academy of Gauteng under the tutelage of the late Johnny Mekoa. Her immense talent and hard work paid off within the first year, when she was offered a position in the academy’s big band and subsequently toured Holland and Sweden. In 2004 she was a member of the big band that was invited to perform at the then International Association of Jazz Educators in New York.
In her career as a professional saxophonist, Linda has had the privilege of performing with the likes of internationally acclaimed jazz and urban artists such as Kevin Mahogany, Everett Green, Hugh Masekela, Barney Rachabane, Nomvula Ndlazilwane, Frank Biyong (Holland), Pat Matshikiza, Thandiswa Mazwai, and Simphiwe Dana. She was also a member of the band chosen to open for virtuoso jazz trumpet player, Wynton Marsalis upon his visit to South Africa. In 2006/2007, her jazz trio took up a hotel residency in Tokyo.
On 29 May 2021, she released her debut album with much anticipation from the public, called Convergence: Bekezela Siyeza. The album is a culmination of songs from her student days to date. It is a reflection of all the work and time it has taken for her get to this point in her career. The sound of the album is a mix of African and jazz sounds with songs such as Nomza; a dedication to Linda's mother and Vusamazulu Sanusi which pays homage to the late Credo Vusamazulu Mutwa. The album received great initial acclaim which led to her winning the “Best Newcomer Jazz” award at the Mzansi Jazz Awards in 2021.
Beyond her artistic contributions, Linda is a change agent, using music to make a positive impact in the lives of young people, especially those of young girls. She was part of an organisation called R.Y.T.H.M (Reaching Youth Through Music) and JFCI (Jazz Camp For Female Instrumentalists) now known as INFI (International Network of Female Instrumentalists). She continues to work on projects that seek to utilise music as a catalyst to bring positive experiences into the lives of children who reside in impoverished environments, and would otherwise never gain access to learning through music. In addition, she has been a vocal advocate for women in music and has actively worked to create positive change within the music industry. Recognising the historical gender disparities and underrepresentation of women instrumentalists in jazz, Tshabalala has dedicated herself to empowering and uplifting female musicians. She has organised workshops, masterclasses, and mentorship programs specifically tailored for aspiring women instrumentalists, providing them with guidance, support, and opportunities for growth.