Nduduzo Makhathini, a jazz virtuoso hailing from Umgungundlovu, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, is deeply rooted in a musical upbringing. Growing up in the small town of uMgungundlovu near Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal, Makhathini was enveloped in a rich tapestry of sounds and rhythms from an early age.

Nduduzo Makhathini

Born into a family where music was more than a passion—it was a way of life—Makhathini’s home resonated with melodies. His mother, a skilled pianist, and his father, a guitarist, provided the backdrop for a diverse musical education that included the rhythms of traditional Zulu music. Makhathini’s curiosity extended beyond his immediate cultural surroundings; he vividly recalls tuning into Indian music by turning the radio knob to its farthest reaches.

In his formative years, Makhathini found his voice as a member of the school choir and through singing at church. His vocal cords served as his primary instrument until after high school when he delved into the intricate world of jazz piano. The decision marked the beginning of a dedicated pursuit of formal musical education.

Nduduzo Makhathini 50 Songs