Articles by Ngwako Malakalaka
Painting The Canvas With Carlo Mombelli
by Ngwako Malakalaka
We have the honor of sitting down with one of the true luminaries of the genre, legendary bassist, composer, and educator, Carlo Mombelli. He has long been at the forefront of musical innovation, pushing the boundaries of sound and storytelling through his deeply evocative compositions and performances. Most recently, he played a pivotal role in curating the Wits Piano Festival, a breathtaking celebration of the country's rich jazz piano heritage and its deep connections to European ...
Continue ReadingThe Southern's suite with Sean Mason
by Ngwako Malakalaka
The K Show welcomes North Carolina born and New York based pianist and composer Sean Mason as our guest. Mason's musical journey has taken him from the soulful heart of the South to the bustling streets of New York City, where he's now a staple in the city's vibrant jazz scene. He's had the honor of playing alongside jazz legends, and his story is one of passion, perseverance, and deep-rooted connection to his Southern roots. He joins us as we ...
Continue ReadingRemembering Vocalist Suthukazi Arosi
by Ngwako Malakalaka
Two weeks ago, we learned of the passing of Suthukazi Arosi who transitioned at the age of 64. Suthu as known by her peers was a singer, dancer, actress, and cultural activist born in the countryside of Cala in the Eastern Cape, South AfricaJoin me, longtime friend and colleague Mark Roth as we reflect on the life and times of this icon and we also get tributes from musicians: Bab Themba Mkhize, Skipper Tshabalala, Bernice Boikanyo, Phinda Mtya ...
Continue ReadingMbizo: A Gathering For Johnny Dyani
by Ngwako Malakalaka
Chicagoan Adam Zanolini, is a an ethnomusicologist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and bandleader whose work embodies the deep and ever-evolving legacy of black creative music. In a collaboration with the players and composers of the mighty AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians) and Chimurenga SA, they celebrate the music and philosophy of Johnny Mbizo Dyani--akin to the AACM's famed “Great Black Music--from ancient to future." Adam Zanolini stopped by the show to tell us about it. ...
Continue ReadingTerence Collie in his element
by Ngwako Malakalaka
Terrence Collie is a pianist and composer from the Channel islands, whose refined artistry has cemented him as a vital figure in the UK jazz scene. He is known for his expressive touch, deep musicality, and ability to seamlessly blend tradition with contemporary influences. His latest project, Elements, is a captivating collection that showcases his evolution as both a composer and performer. In this exclusive interview for The K Jazz Show, we dive into his journey, inspirations, and the creative ...
Continue ReadingAfrikan Time Music and Black Theology, in Conversation
by Ngwako Malakalaka
To mark South Africa's Heritage Month and Steve Biko's commemoration, Herbie Tsoaeli, the South African award-winning jazz bassist and the “Centre for Black Thought and African Studies," presented a conversation and a live jazz performance on “Black Theology and Afrikan Time" music. The discussion was about black liberation theologies in their quest to make sense of the lived realities of black people on the backdrop of the liberatory message of Christianity. To inspire and respond to ...
Continue ReadingWrapped in Rhythm: Tutu Puoane sings the poetry of Lebo Mashile
by Ngwako Malakalaka
Pretoria born, Antwerp based jazz vocal virtuoso Tutu Puoane's latest project Wrapped in Rhythm Vol 1. is inspired by a collection of poems by South Africa theatre producer and performer Lebo Mashile. Having spent a few years exploring Lebo's poems, Tutu responds and breathes new life into this body of work by singing these words that have been written over two decades ago. An incredible project that captures themes of femininity, feelings of being displaced and the triumph of the ...
Continue ReadingInkumbulo With Trumpeter And Flugelhorn Player Feya Faku
by Ngwako Malakalaka
Trumpeter and flugelhornist Feya Faku is recognized for his contributions to jazz and has built a significant international presence, collaborating with prominent musicians and participating in prestigious festivals worldwide. His latest project Inkumbulo (Reminiscence) is a celebration of this journey of allyship, marking 20 years of the South African / Swiss Exchange program, a creative cross-pollination including paying tribute to his loved ones. ...
Continue ReadingMarwan Allam's Bab Bhar: The Travelling Tale Of Tunis
by Ngwako Malakalaka
Marwan Allam's debut Bab Bhar combines Arabic, North African and Andalusian forms with modern jazz, to create a synthesis that sets the musical languages of the traditional, within the framework of the new. The album is named after the gate that connects the old and new cities of Tunis, and Allam's compositions build a bridge between old musics and new by building on rhythms, metres, idioms and intonations that the jazz listener would not expect to hear in a ...
Continue ReadingExperience Chis Botti
by Ngwako Malakalaka
On this week's show, we are joined by trumpeter and composer Christopher Stephen Botti who established himself as a versatile musician in both jazz and pop music for his ability to fuse both styles. Chris began playing the trumpet at nine years old, and committed to the instrument at age 12 when he heard Miles Davis play “My Funny Valentine" Fast forward, he has collaborated with iconic musicians like Aretha Franklin, Paul Simon, Natalie Cole including Sting and Jill Scott, recording some of our favourite ...
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