PentaFusion

Stacey van Schalkwyk on flute

Virgil Matrass on piano and keyboard

Nhlanhla Xipu on violin

Yashin Naidoo on bass

Pete Glover on drums

PentaFusion has established itself as a rising powerhouse in South African jazz fusion, with accolades underscoring its artistic mastery and emotional depth. Critics have consistently praised their “virtuoso” performances, lauding the band for delivering “fresh musical ideas” that resonate with their audiences. This creative prowess has earned them prestigious recognition; PentaFusion was awarded the Standard Bank Bronze Ovation Award for their evocative debut performance of Fragments in 2022, followed by a second Ovation Award in 2023 for Wilderness. Their latest production, A Musician’s Guide to the Galaxy, took the National Arts Festival by storm in 2024, garnering rave reviews and securing a third consecutive Ovation Award.

Founded in 2022, PentaFusion brings together celebrated musicians and rising talent from Gqeberha and Makhanda, fostering a cross-generational synergy that infuses their music with tradition and innovation. Their signature style is a distinct fusion of jazz, with elements of progressive rock and symphonic metal, merging virtuosic instrumentation with intricate compositions. Their music is a blend of complex rhythms, emotive melodies, and the raw energy of fusion with the sophisticated harmony of jazz.