SA: Nduduzo Makhathini to release new album on 3 April

Titled Modes of Communication: Letters from the Underworlds, the album is available for streaming and download here. The album features 11 songs, including ‘Yehlisan'uMoya’, ‘Saziwa Nguwe’, ‘Beneath the Earth’, ‘Shine’ and ‘Umyalez'oPhuthumayo’.

It features US alto saxophonist Logan Richardson, tenor saxophonist Linda Sikhakhane, trumpeter Ndabo Zulu, bassist Zwelakhe-Duma Bell Le Pere and drummer Ayanda Sikade. Other featured artists include Nduduzo’s wife, Omagugu Makhathini, percussionist Gontse Makhene and singer Msaki. Backing vocals are by Makhathini’s children, Nailah, Thingo and Moyo.

“I really hope that this record connects people to their deeper selves,” Nduduzo Makhathini told Music In Africa. “I pray that it helps to ask questions about the existence of other lives elsewhere, and I wish that it becomes a bridge to a portal of blessings."

Makhathini said the album’s title was inspired by the journey he had embarked on since 2012.

"I wanted to find the meaning of sound in healing. From here emerged the question of communication. I'm simply using one mode that evoked multiple frequencies and channels to metaphysical realms. I also evoke various elements such as water, earth, wind and fire to point towards ancient ways of knowing and communicating to our gods,” he said.

Makhathini credits the influence of Abdullah Ibrahim, Bheki Mseleku and Moses Molelekwa on his music.

“The earlier musicians put a lot of emotions in the music they played,” Makhathini said. “I think it may also be linked to the political climate of those days. I also feel there is a uniqueness about South African jazz that created an interest all around the world and we are slowly losing that too in our music today. I personally feel that our generation has to be very conscious about retaining these nuances in the music we play today.”