South African jazz pianist Zibusiso Makhathini makes history at UNISA International Piano Competition
By CityLife Arts Writer
Zibusiso Makhathini has etched his name in the annals of music history, becoming the first South African to qualify for the final round in the jazz category at the 15th UNISA International Piano Competition. This landmark achievement resonates within the realm of South African jazz, adding a new chapter to the competition’s legacy since its inception in 1982.
Zibusiso Makhathini is a South African Jazz Pianist, Standard Bank Youth Jazz Band alumni, Composer and Music Tutor born and raised in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal. Music became an inherent attribute that stood out during his primary and high school years, having grown up in a musical family, it influenced him to pursue music as a career by obtaining a music degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). Makhathini’s exceptional talent and mesmerizing performances has captured the spotlight, earning him acclaim from the discerning eyes of the competition’s esteemed jury.
The 2024 jury, boasts luminaries from the music industry, including Hans Vroomans (Netherlands), Makiko Hirabayashi (Japan), Kevin Harris (USA), Cyrus Chestnut (USA), and John Paul McGee (USA), lent their expertise to the event. Their collective experience elevated the competition, underscoring the significance of Makhathini’s journey.
In the thrilling finale comprising of Tomás Jonsson (USA), Dabin Ryu (South Korea); Makhathini secured third place and a special prize for the best performance of a ’Rythm Changes’ – Based Composition, further solidifying his standing among the world’s top jazz pianists. His accomplishment not only marks a personal triumph but also serves as a beacon for the vibrant and evolving landscape of South African jazz on the global stage.
“I am very honoured and proud to represent the country at such a prestigious competition” says Makhathini.
All four rounds are available to the public to watch on the UNISAvideos YouTube channel.
About Zibusiso Makhathini
Zibusiso Makhathini is a South African jazz pianist, composer and music tutor born and raised in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal. He pursue music as a career by obtaining a music degree at the UKZN and currently, he teaches jazz piano and ensemble at the Durban High School. Zibusiso was one of the headlining acts at the KZN Schools Jazz Festival and was involved in the workshops preceding the festival. He had the opportunity to perform at the Oslo Jazz Festival at Herr Nelson and the Buzz Stage. He is also an alumni of the Standard Bank Youth Jazz Band, which performed at the Makhanda Jazz Festival and the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz.
Zibusiso was profiled and featured as an artist on InsiderSA, a national television programme on SABC, under the segment ‘Defying the Norm’ for a project that premiered at the National Arts Festival. He has also recorded live shows with various artists from his community. He has featured some of his music in a film called ‘Glasgow, Love and Apartheid’ for BBC Scotland. Zibusiso had the opportunity to be the resident pianist at the UKZN ‘Peace Concert’ for International Jazz Day and the pianist at the Royal Gala Dinner for King Misuzulu’s coronation.
About UNISA International Piano Competition
The first international piano competition was presented in 1982. Since then the Unisa Music Foundation has built a reputation for hosting competitions comparable with the best in the world. In 2015 a jazz category was added running parallel to the classical category during the Unisa National Piano Competition. The two categories were again presented during the 13th Unisa International Piano Competition in 2016 and was a resounding success.
About Unisa Music Foundation
Established in 1990 the Unisa Music Foundation’s mission is to promote music in all its forms and expressions at the University of South Africa, as well as in South and Southern Africa. To achieve this goal, the Music Foundation is responsible for maintaining and administering a functioning organization capable of organizing and presenting National and International Music Competitions, Concerts, Master Classes and Music Tuition Projects.
The Music Foundation has built a collection of music instruments for use in the development projects and is also charged with the responsibility to maintain the Rieger Concert organ, Steinway Grand Pianos and the Booth Harpsichord as valuable assists of the University in good order.
