Held on 3 May at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga, this year’s Metro FM Music Awards celebrated musical excellence under the theme Crowning Greatness. Among the evening’s standout moments was celebrated saxophonist and composer Linda Sikhakhane taking home the Best Jazz Album award for his third studio release, Iladi.
A rising force in South African jazz, Linda Sikhakhane’s musical journey traces back to the township of Umlazi in Durban, where his love for music, particularly jazz, began to take shape in his early childhood. Guided by influential mentors like Dr. Brian Thusi and Khulekani Bhengu, Sikhakhane’s prodigious talent soon led him to formal training at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. It wasn’t long before his gifts were recognised nationally, earning him prestigious bursaries and opportunities to perform with both local legends and international greats.
Iladi, produced by long-time collaborator and renowned pianist Nduduzo Makhathini, features an exceptional lineup that includes Zwelakhe-Duma Bell le Pere on bass and Kweku Sumbry on drums. The album offers eight original compositions, including the stirring lead single “Inkehli.” In 2024, Sikhakhane described Iladi as “A multipurpose ritual ceremony that is underpinned by various African cultural pearls of wisdom, cited from Zulu traditions and my upbringing — this offering is a sonic transposition of this ritual, an expression of gratitude that seeks to acknowledge all gifts and guidance on my journey"
Following his win, Sikhakhane took to Instagram to express his appreciation:
“I feel a deep sense of gratitude - last evening we were honoured at the Metro FM Awards w/ the ‘Best Jazz Album’ award.” He also acknowledged his fellow nominees with heartfelt admiration: “So much love to all the nominees for creating works that bring positive change to this world, makwande okuhle.”
The Best Jazz Album category featured a strong list of contenders, including Thandiswa Mazwai (Sankofa), Sydney Mavundla (Dirge for Our Fathers), Nomfundo Xaluva (Ndilapha), and Nduduzo Makhathini (uNomkhubulwane).
Fresh off a performance at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Sikhakhane’s 2025 is already off to a remarkable start. With his artistry rooted in heritage and elevated by innovation, we look forward to witnessing the next chapter in his evolving musical journey.
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