South African saxophonist Linda Sikhakhane has announced his new album Iladi, which will be released on July 12 by Blue Note/Universal Music Africa. The album was produced by Sikhakhane’s frequent collaborator Nduduzo Makhathini who is also featured on piano with Zwelakhe-Duma Bell le Pere on bass and Kweku Sumbry on drums. Iladi presents eight evocative original compositions by Sikhakhane including the stunning lead single “Inkehli” which is out today.

“Iladi is a multipurpose ritual ceremony that is underpinned by various African cultural pearls of wisdom, cited from Zulu traditions and my upbringing,” says Sikhakhane. “This offering is a sonic transposition of this ritual, an expression of gratitude that seeks to acknowledge all gifts and guidance on my journey.”

Hailing from Umlazi Township near Durban, South Africa, and tracing ancestry to KwaNongoma (“place of the diviner or mother of song”), Sikhakhane’s journey into music began at a young age, nurtured by a rich cultural heritage and an innate passion for sound. His music epitomizes the vibrant evolution of South Africa’s jazz landscape with inspiration drawn from such greats such as John Coltrane and Winston Mankunku Ngozi. His exceptional skill on the saxophone, honed through formal education and collaborations with renowned artists both locally and internationally, has positioned him as a rising star on the global jazz stage. Sikhakhane was honored as the 2022 Standard Bank Young Jazz Artist.