Nduduzo Makhatini: “A good concert blurs the line between audience and artist”

Anyone who has ever seen Nduduzo Makhatini perform live knows that it's a blast! It is his live performances that have earned the South African a nomination for the German Jazz Award in the “International Live Act of the Year” category. In an interview, he revealed what makes a good show.

Our booker, Yunus, gets very excited when the name Nduduzo Makhathini is mentioned. "He was my concert highlight last year," he says. Makhathini's concerts are moments filled with music, spirituality and philosophy. It's no longer a secret that the South African, who is under contract with Blue Note Records, is a gifted live performer. He may even receive the German Jazz Award for it soon.Makhathini has a clear idea of what constitutes a successful performance. “A great concert is one where the lines between the audience and the artist become blurred,” the South African explains.Blurring these lines is not easy. However, Makhathini has a secret recipe: "My concerts transcend conventional norms by tapping into ritual strategies, with the intention of reaching a higher level of consciousness through the music." Through his music, he invites humanity to consider a more inclusive world and a safe space for all.Perhaps his concerts are special because he draws a clear distinction between studio recordings and live performances. "For me, they are two different worlds, each with its own kind of beauty." He loves both, but adds: "The further I progress on my journey, the more time I spend on the road, performing live, rather than in the studio." There is one advantage to this that he really appreciates: "It's the here and now."

Nduduzo Makhathini at Moods

18MaySun
- Nduduzo Makhathini
  JazzGlobal SoundsGlobal JazzAfrica
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