Jazz lecturer Mr Sibusiso Mashiloane won Best Contemporary Jazz Album at the 2022 Mzantsi Jazz Awards (MJA) for his sixth album titled Music From My People.
This is a jury award evaluated against excellence and contribution criteria by the MJA judges. The organisers said they appreciate Mashiloane’s contribution to the South African jazz scene.
Music From My People is a 10-track album with a comprehensive approach that echoes many rhythmic languages, multi-generational comradery in sound, and an exploration of self-identity. It is woven in the fabric of family, community, country, the African continent and the world.
‘It feels good to be recognised at home, especially when I write or compose inspired by local sounds. We are all thankful for the sound of home that is the formation of our identity, and the world appreciates it. We saw the impact of artists such as Hugh Masekela, Mariam Makeba, and Busi Mhlongo. I would also like to thank the contributors to the album.”
The contributors include Bab’ Khaya Mahlangu, Buddy Wells, Shaun Johannes, Tlale Makhene, Wandithanda Makandula and Xolisa Dlamini.
Mashiloane is a multi-award winning artist who has been nominated for the SAMAs, the AFRIMA awards and the International Urban Music Awards. He is currently studying towards a PhD which employs the lens of South African Jazz to focus on the nostalgia-seeped themes of home that Mashiloane can’t help but find himself instinctively returning to.
