Original Story Published by: Ano Shumba, www.musicinafrica.net
Photo Source: Linda Sikhakhane
(Above) Linda Sikhakhane.
The announcement follows the October release of his latest album An Open Dialogue, which is a follow up of the musician's debut project Two Sides, One Mirror. The new album features seven songs, including ‘Code of Light’, ‘Umkhokheli’, ‘Amakhosi’, ‘Timelessness’ and ‘Saziwa Nguwe’, among others. All tracks were recorded live in the US, while Sikhakhane was studying jazz at The New School in New York.
"Thinking and cultures are better expressed by a community rather than an individual,” Sikhakhane said. “Apple Music is one community that epitomises that, and I'm really thankful to be a part of this family – it's an absolute honour to be wearing an Apple Music New Artist Spotlight hat. Makwande (let there be growth).”
Speaking to Music In Africa, the Durban-born artist said: “I feel really honoured, the music comes from a deep place and I think it's more deserving than I am. This is a great opportunity for the music to travel even further and it will also expand my community in the sonics.”
Commenting on the growth of digital music, Sikhakhane said: “Times have changed, for the good I guess. With the help of technology people are able to access music quicker but the figures are totally different from physical album sales and we sometimes miss out on liner notes, personnel etc. In my opinion, having access to both is an advantage, but I've noticed that the world has shifted more towards streaming.”
His love for music began at an early age, but flourished at Siyakhula Music Centre under the tutelage of Brian Thusi. After earning his diploma in jazz music from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Shikhakhane moved to Johannesburg to further advance his music career as a saxophonist, where he subsequently won a SAMRO overseas scholarship in the Best Instrumentalist category in 2016.
To read the full article, visit www.musicinafrica.net.
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