Themba Mkhize bio: age, family, songs, albums, awards, profiles
One of the ways of understanding a nation and its culture is through music. Themba Mkhize, a South African musician and pianist, has contributed his exceptional talents to several music projects, collaborated with a number of the industry's leading artists, and produced some of the country's best-loved recordings. He has nurtured his talent to become one of the most sought-after musicians of all time in South Africa and globally.
Source: Instagram
Themba Mkhize was fortunate to be introduced to music at an early age, and thus, he was able to horn his skills while still young. He started by attending piano lessons before he was later introduced to the classical genre. It was while in high school that he discovered Jazz. This opened more doors for him where he started working with a local band known as Dukes Combo.
Themba Mkhize profiles
- Real name: Themba Mkhize
- Date of birth: January 1, 1957
- Place of birth: Durban, eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Gender: Male
- Profession: Musician, pianist
- Themba Mkhize age: 64 years
- Genre: African Jazz, Jazz, mbaqanga
Bio
Source: Instagram
Below is every detail you would love to know about Themba, the legendary jazz musician. The article contains info about his music, age, family, songs, and awards, among other exciting things. Keep reading to learn more!
Career
While in high school, he got involved in local bands, a skill that would later benefit him and expose him to the world of music. In 1981, Mkhize started his professional career with the band Sakhile, where they recorded Sakhile and New Life. Three years down the line, he joined Bayete, where he worked with them for ten years. He worked with renowned musicians such as Dorothy Masuku, Condry Ziqubu, Miriam Makeba, and Hugh Masekela.
Musical director
In 1994, he worked as a musical director on Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba's USA and Europe tour. After the tour, he returned home to produce the Ancient Evenings, Sibongile Khumalo's debut album.
In 2010, he scored arrangements for the Jazz Meets Symphony Orchestra. He is currently scoring full Big Band Arrangements for his favourite pianist, the late Bheki Mseleku, in his honour.
Production company
Besides his music and performances, he co-owns a production company, Thella Music, together with his partner Stella Khumalo. The company produces creative music pieces for various advertising agencies. Some of his film credits include co-producing Soweto Green's soundtrack (1995) with Jonas Gwangwa and writing original music and producing the soundtrack of Ramadan Suleman's feature film, Zulu Love Letter.
Also, he owns Mavovo Production Studios. He does pre-production work for artists. Some renowned artists have sought his pre-production services, including Khaya Dlamini, Vusi Khumalo, and Sibongile Khumalo.
Education
Source: Instagram
At age 11, Themba was enrolled at the Funda Centre Music School in Soweto to study classical piano. He later moved to the National School of the Arts to further his classical musical studies while only 15 years. In 1999, he joined Pretoria Technikon to promote his interest in Jazz, Composition, and Arranging.
Family
Themba was born is a musical family. His father was a teacher and a choirmaster, and he played a significant role in exposing him to music and nurturing his talents. Details about his mother are not provided.
Albums
Below are Themba Mkhize albums:
- 1999: Tales from the South
- 2001: Lost & Found
- 2004: Hands-On
Songs
Below are some of popular Themba Mkhize songs:
- Shosholoza
- Ngaliwe
- Yiyo
- Thililedam
- Inner Peace
- Ngihamba Nawe
- Light of Our Life
- Until When?
- Konke
- African Cool
- Ikhwezi
- Zawa City
- Peace at Dusk
- Walk the Walk
- Sweet Home
- West Street
- Song for Mo
Awards
Below are Themba Mkhize awards:
- FNB SAMA Award in the Best Traditional Jazz Album
- Daimler Chrysler Award for Best South African Jazz
- South African Music Award for Male Artist of the Year
- Metro FM Award
- 2012: Standard Bank Young Artist Award
Above is a fantastic bio of Themba Mkhize. His innovative compositions and arrangements paint a fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds on a jazz canvas. As a pianist, singer, composer, arranger, producer, and musical director, Mkhize brings vast experience and unquestionable expertise into his works. His vision is to give young and talented musicians a recording space through his independent label, Mavovo Music.
READ ALSO: Motlatsi Mafatshe bio: age, parents, wedding, songs, The River, profiles
In other news, Briefly.co.za reported on February 8, 2021, about the biography of Motlatsi Mafatshe that captures his age, parents, wedding, songs, profiles, and more.
Mafatshe, a South African actor and musician, is famous for acting in the eTV soccer drama, Shooting Stars, as Wandile Dhlomo, from 2007 to 2010. He was born on 3rd November 1983; therefore, Motlatsi Mafatshe age is 37 years.
Source: Briefly News
