Samkelo Njinji

Samukelo siphosenkosi magwaza, famously known as samkelo njinji is a South African jazz pianist, artist, composer, arranger, songwriter and lecturer based in Kwazulu natal, city of Durban in the township of Umlazi. His love for jazz began at a tender age as his late father used to play old jazz vynal record's nearly everyday, however his the first one in the family to actually play an instrument and furthermore, persue a career in music. Both his parents and siblings were supportive of his endeavour.

He first learnt the keyboard at church at the age of 12. He later joined a school choir and led an iscathamiya group. In 2015 he than studied jazz piano professionally at umlazi comtech being taught by Mr Xolani Hlongwani, and later went to the BAT center, Gamalakhe college where is was lecturered by the great Andile yenana, Durban music school under the mentorship of Sibusiso Mashiloane and central Johannesburg college were he was trained by Maxwell Baloyi, Mr Talent khoza and Mr Victor Mbotho. Now he is blessed to be a lecture
and pass on the knowledge instilled in him to other pupils. In his career he has
shared a stage with Khaya Mahlangu, Salim Washington, Umkhubulwano
Jazz ensemble, and MXO to mention a few.

About samkelo njinji:
In 2017 samkelo njinji began composing his own music which is largely inspired by bheki mseleku, Oscar Peterson, nduduzo makhatini and Thandi ntuli. He has conceptualised the theme of his music as njinji street, which is the lane of healing and love. Samkelo njinji specializes in jazz but he can also interpret other genres such as gospel, neo soul and many more. He is a messenger of hope and aims to uplift, inspire, heal and love through his music and his concept of njinji street. He shared his music on stages and places like world sound concert, Umlazi jazz festival, the playhouse company, Rhumbelow theatre, Joburg theatre and he plans to travel the world injecting peace through his music.