Thandi Ntuli is a celebrated South African jazz pianist, vocalist, and composer whose work intricately weaves together elements of folk, township music, and jazz traditions. With a rich musical heritage and a career spanning over a decade, she is recognized for her powerful ability to connect history, culture, and personal experience through her evocative music.
Thandi Ntuli is a multi-award-winning South African jazz pianist, vocalist, and composer who has established herself as one of the leading voices in modern South African jazz. Her musical journey spans approximately 16 years, with her career officially beginning around 2011-2012.
Thandi's musical journey began at a remarkably early age. At just four years old, she started taking classical piano lessons under the tutelage of Ada Levkowitz. Her interest in jazz developed later in life, leading her to pursue formal education in this genre. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in jazz performance from the University of Cape Town.
Ntuli comes from a family with a rich musical heritage, significantly influencing her artistic development. She is named after her aunt, a classical singer. Her uncle, Selby Ntuli, was a member of the Afro-rock band Harari. Her grandfather, Levi Godlib Ntuli, fostered a tradition of composing, playing, and singing music together among his children while living in 1940s Sophiatown, a cultural hub often compared to 1920s Harlem in New York. This family musical tradition continues to thrive and has clearly shaped Ntuli's approach to music.
Thandi Ntuli's music is characterized by its diversity and breadth. As a composer, pianist, and singer, she navigates a wide palette of sound and genre. Her compositional style is notably fluid across various genres, allowing her to collaborate with artists from different musical backgrounds. Her work combines elements of South African folk, township music, and jazz traditions.
What distinguishes Ntuli in the contemporary South African music scene is her ability to create music that connects with histories, presents, and futures by developing musical language and experiences that resonate deeply with listeners. Her approach is described as frank yet empathetic, with a vulnerable gaze on herself and the world.
Thandi Ntuli released her debut album "The Offering" in 2014, marking her significant entry into the global jazz community. While her complete discography isn't fully detailed in the available information, we know that her most recent album was a collaborative effort with Los Angeles-based producer and percussionist Carlos Niño, released in November 2023 by the Chicago-based International Anthem label.
A notable highlight in her career has been her work with William Kentridge in the collaborative workshop process of developing "The Great Yes, The Great No". She has also been featured as a soloist with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Centre Orchestra.
Throughout her career, Ntuli has collaborated with various artists globally, demonstrating her versatility across different musical genres. Her collaborative projects include work with South African artists such as:
Her recent collaboration with Carlos Niño resulted in an album released by International Anthem, a Chicago-born recording label. This project, titled "Rainbow Revisited," appears to be her most recent work.
Thandi Ntuli has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career. Most notably, she was awarded the prestigious Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Jazz in 2018. This coveted recognition highlights her significant contribution to South African jazz and her standing in the music community.
For young South Africans and creatives, particularly women, Thandi represents what has been described as "a home-going to ourselves, each other and our communities". Through her 13-year career, she has carved out space for herself and others, firmly situating herself and the contemporary South African generation in the musical canon. Her work is seen as creating access to histories, presents, and futures through music that speaks directly to South African experiences.
Thandi Ntuli continues to be highly respected in South African jazz circles, representing an important voice in contemporary African music that bridges traditional influences with modern expressions.
