Nduduzo Makhathini, an internationally acclaimed pianist and improviser from the Republic of South Africa (RSA), a recording artist with the prestigious jazz label Blue Note, and a scholar, is one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary jazz.

The artist’s idiosyncratic style has been shaped by the folklore of the Zulu people of South Africa, the work of jazz legends Abdullah Ibrahim and Bheki Mseleku, and his admiration for American jazz, particularly the legacy of John Coltrane and McCoy Tyner. Drawing on improvisation, a contemporary soundscape and African flavour, Makhathini creates music that is steeped in tradition yet innovative. This is also evidenced by the pianist’s colourful array of stage partners ranging from Wynton Marsalis to Shabaka Hutchings, the West German Radio Big Band and producer Black Coffee.

For Makhathini, making music is more than a performance. It is a space of collective memory and a ritual that conveys personal and family histories, cultural heritage, shared experiences and faith in the future. His work resonates through time and beyond the stage, sending a message to future generations.

All of this is reflected in his latest album, The Myth We Choose, released this year on Blue Note, the compositions from which will be performed at the Vilnius Jazz. Makhathini recorded this album with guest musicians and his trio, whom the audience will hear at the festival.

“I have always felt that songs speak to us, songs look at us,” he writes in the album’s liner notes. “In years to come, it will be the histories of the day that will choose or not choose our songs. If our songs are not chosen, then our voices would never be heard. … On the contrary, if our songs are chosen, then indeed, what we are dealing with now is designing future myths. With our actions today, we are making suggestions for what tomorrow may be. Music is prophecy”.

Whether performing with his trio, alongside musical luminaries, or speaking at educational and cultural events, Makhathini’s appearances always combine musical mastery, intellectual depth and emotional openness.

The artist holds a PhD in musicology from Stellenbosch University (South Africa) and lectures in musicology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa). Makhathini’s research focuses on alternative jazz studies based on the cosmology of the Bantu peoples of Africa.

As a lecturer, he collaborates with various cultural and educational institutions, festivals, museums and communities that take interest in the healing power of music, improvisation, the philosophy of Black culture and the role of art in society.

It is no easy task to encompass Makhathini’s multifaceted activities and creative vision. His impressive experience as a musician is evidenced by numerous performances on major stages around the world, including North Sea Jazz (Netherlands), Newport Jazz, Essence (USA) festivals, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (South Africa), New York’s Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, Washington’s The Kennedy Centre, and London’s O2 Arena.

Makhathini’s discography comprises twelve albums of his own compositions, including four released by Blue Note Records.

Double bassist Dalisu Ndlazi is Makhathini’s long-standing stage partner and protégé, as well as a member of his trio. Ndlazi’s musical journey began at the Siyakhula Community Centre for the Development of Young Talent in Umlazi (KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa). Having demonstrated his musical abilities at an early age, he joined the National Schools’ Big Band and later took part in the Louis Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp in New Orleans (USA). He completed his jazz studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

The musician draws his inspiration from South Africa’s rich jazz tradition. He is highly regarded for his expressive playing and the warm tone of his double bass. Ndlazi has performed and recorded with some of South Africa’s most prominent improvisers, including Andile Yenana, Salim Washington and Sibusiso Mashiloane.

Drummer and percussionist Lukmil Perez Herrera was born and raised in Havana (Cuba) and currently lives in Paris. He began studying drums and Cuban percussion at the Escuela Elemental de Arte, a school of art in Havana, and, having already acquired a strong academic foundation, immersed himself in jazz. After moving to Europe in 1999, Perez built an international career, becoming one of the most sought-after drummers in jazz and Afro-Cuban music.

This musical virtuoso brings vigour and subtle nuances to every ensemble he joins. He also creates his own projects and has released the album Airotele Ona, which pays tribute to his Cuban heritage and the colleagues who have accompanied him throughout his career.