uNomkhubulwane - Nduduzo Makhathini (2024)
This is a fascinating record that I sadly don’t have as much time as I’d like to research.
Makhathini is an accomplished pianist and has made this and several other albums for Blue Note, the jazz label of record.
He’s also a Zulu healer. During his initiation as a healer he had an encounter with the titular Zulu goddess uNomkhubulwane, who gifted him the song that became the opener of the album. The music here blends spiritual jazz ideas with Makhathini’s own brand of Afro-centric meditation music.
The singing (in the Zulu language, I would assume) is pleasant and unassuming, and goes nicely with his smooth, conversational piano playing. His backing band is sparse, but excellently restrained.
Overall, it’s a wonderful record that I’m glad i spun.
