SA: Apple Music shines spotlight on Linda Sikhakhane in November

6 nov 2020 - 09:59

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

South African saxophonist and composer Linda Sikhakhane has been featured by Apple Music as part of the streaming platform’s New Artist Spotlight series for the month of November.

Linda Sikhakhane.

The announcement follows the October release of his album An Open Dialogue, which is a follow-up of the musician’s debut project Two Sides, One Mirror. The new album features seven songs, including ‘Code of Light’, ‘Umkhokheli’, ‘Amakhosi’, ‘Timelessness’ and ‘Saziwa Nguwe’. All tracks were recorded live in the US, while Sikhakhane was studying jazz at The New School in New York.

“Thinking and cultures are better expressed by a community rather than an individual,” Sikhakhane said. “Apple Music is one community that epitomises that, and I'm really thankful to be a part of this family – it's an absolute honour to be wearing an Apple Music New Artist Spotlight hat. Makwande [let there be growth].”

Speaking to Music In Africa, the Durban-born artist said: “I feel really honoured, the music comes from a deep place and I think it’s more deserving than I am. This is a great opportunity for the music to travel even further and it will also expand my community in the sonics.”

Commenting on the growth of digital music, Sikhakhane said: “Times have changed, for the good I guess. With the help of technology people are able to access music quicker but the figures are totally different from physical album sales, and we sometimes miss out on liner notes and personnel. In my opinion, having access to both is an advantage, but I’ve noticed that the world has shifted more towards streaming.”

His love for music began at an early age, but flourished at Siyakhula Music Centre under the tutelage of Brian Thusi. After earning his diploma in jazz from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Shikhakhane moved to Johannesburg to further advance his career as a saxophonist, where he subsequently won a SAMRO overseas scholarship in 2016.

An Open Dialogue features rich, original compositions and was recorded as part of his senior recital. The album incorporates a multitude of skills and disciplines that he has learnt over the last two years. Shikhakhane has shared the stage with the late Hugh Masekela, McCoy Mrubata and Reggie Workman, among others.

Listen to An Open Dialogue on Apple Music.