Linda Tshabalala
Gauteng
Linda Tshabalala entered the music scene at a great time, coinciding with the compelling growth of female jazz instrumentalists in South Africa. Linda Tshabalala pursued a career in music after matriculating by joining the Music Academy of Gauteng in 2002 under the tutelage of Dr. Johnny Mekoa. In 2004 after assuming a position in the Academy's big band she toured Holland and Sweden with the band. During that same year she also played with the big band at the International Association of Jazz Educators in New York with the big band. After gaining performance experience she obtained a hotel residency in South Korea as part of a trio that included a piano and bass in 2006/2007. Linda Tshabalala is not only an artist however she also studied and obtained a diploma in jazz performance from the University of Cape Town and further obtained an honours degree from Tshwane University of Technology. She went on and became an avid coordinator for different organisations. Linda Tshabalala gained more international performance experience by opening for Wynton Marsails and performed with Kevin Mahogany amongst many both international and local jazz musicians.
In 2019 Linda Tshabalala became the recipient of the S.A.M.R.O. mobility fund which assist artists by funding their tours in and around South Africa and the SADC Region. With experience comes growth, Linda decided to work on her debut album after much anticipation from her fans in South Africa and globally and the public. To demonstrate her commitment to nurturing her talent, education and experience she took her time working on the album, a process that birthed Convergence: Bekezela Siyeza on 29 May 2021. The album contains beautifully composed, produced & well crafted songs such as Kunzima Madoda feat. Lesego Mokgatle, Nyatsi Ena feat. Ncamisa Nqana and Nomza A Dedication to her Mother. The album won her the Best Newcomer award at the Mzantsi Jazz Awards 2021. Since the album's release, she has become synonymous with bands such as Malcolm Jiyane’s Tree-O and the BIMA all-woman band, and has worked with Herbie Tsoaeli, Aus Tebza, Kesivan Naidoo, Siya Makuzeni, and Brother Moves On to name a few.