UKZN jazz lecturer, Mr Sibusiso Mashiloane, was named Best Artiste in South African Jazz at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

He was also nominated in the Best Male Artist in Southern Africa category.

Mashiloane was in Accra in Ghana to attend the awards ceremony on 24 November 2018. AFRIMA is designed to promote the distinct rich African music worldwide; engaging millions of fans by propelling African music to glorious pinnacles beyond the borders of Africa.

Mashiloane was nominated for the track Niza, taken from his second album titled Rotha – A Tribute to Mama that was released in 2017. Niza is a song that was influenced by his background. ‘I have listened to and watched a lot of traditional dancers- from iZangoma to amaSokane- and the sound and movements are what inspired me to compose Niza,’ he said.

Mashiloane was nominated alongside other SA artists including Cassper Nyovest, Kwesta, Nasty C and Shane Eagle.

Mashiloane was very excited and proud to be representing South Africa at the AFRIMA Awards saying, ‘I recognise myself and my music as embedded in the society that I call home and would not be able to compose the music I do without the influence of my country and the city I live in. This makes me extra proud to be able to represent my culture through music and be recognised for the creation of it.’

Mashiloane is a prolific artist and is passionate about music. He has a Master’s degree in Jazz Performance and graduated cum laude from UKZN where he lectures Jazz. His focus is to teach and organise live music performances with his students, focusing on South African composers. He is currently completing his PhD at UKZN, focusing on South African composers.