Jazz winner 2018
Thandi Ntuli
Songwriter, composer, singer, Jazz artist
Category
Jazz
Date of birth
1985 - 10 - 24
Nationality
South African
Hometown
Bloemfontein
Thandi Ntuli was born in 1987 Soshanguve, one of the country’s largest townships, located north of South Africa’s administrative capital Tshwane. She is the niece of multi-instrumentalist and lead vocalist of the historic Afro fusion band Harari, Selby Ntuli.
This rising star started playing the piano at the age of 4 but it was only in high school that she developed any real desire to become a professional musician. In 2014 she released her debut record, "The Offering".
She tours regularly and has played on local and international stages, including The Cape Town International Jazz Festival, The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, The Standard Bank Jazz Festival and The Calabar International Jazz Festival in Nigeria. Ntuli has also played with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, along with Mike Campbell and the UCT Big Band.
She has also worked on projects with Judith Sephuma, Neo Muyanga and in 2017 was called upon by the American steel pan genius, Andy Narell at the Standard Bank Jazz Festival. She has also worked on projects with Judith Sephuma, Neo Muyanga and in 2017 was called upon by the American steel pan genius, Andy Narell at the Standard Bank Jazz Festival.
Career insights
- Her strength as band leader is reflected in the powerhouse of some of the best talents in the new generation of jazz musicians that it features.
- These include Sisonke Xonti (tenor saxophone), Mthunzi Mvubu (alto saxophone), Keenan Ahrends (guitar), Sphelelo Mazibuko (drums), Benjamin Jephta (double bass) and Spha Mdlalose (lead vocals). It also features the experienced hand of trumpeter, Marcus Wyatt.
These straight ahead jazz collaborations are well balanced by her work in more experimental settings with the likes of electronic artist Jazzuelle, QB Smith and Sir LSG.
Her more recent collaboration with DJ Kenzhero and Tha Muzik is one of her most imaginative works. Together with Sphelelo Mazibuko on drums, Benjamin Jephta on bass and horn section that includes Senzo Ngcobo trombone, Sthe Bhengu on trumpet and Linda Sikhakhane on tenor saxophone, they call themselves The Rebirth of Cool. The band experiments with jazz, hip-hop, R&B and soul.