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KwaNongoma: Linda Sikhakhane & Paras “Sibalukhulu” Dlamini KwaNongoma is a collaborative project between saxophonist Linda Sikhakhane and vocalist Paras “Sibalukhulu” Dlamini. This project seeks to open a sonic discourse on questions of song, belonging and collective memory towards igniting societal values through song (ingoma). KwaNongoma will draw its repertoires from two recently released albums by these longtime collaborators: Ingoma Busuku (2025) and iLadi (2024). Consequently, the bandstand on the evening will open space for reinforcing shared understandings and commemorative forms of communal practices.

Siphamandla Dlamini better known as ‘Paras Sibalukhulu’’Dlamini’ in the music scene, born and raised in kwamashu and ulundi finished his secondary schooling at Masibumbane High school, uLundi. He discovered his musical talent whilst growing up as a church boy in uLundi, when he learnt how to play drums. When he took a break from music he focused his energies on sports (valleyball and soccer) which he played at district level.
In 2010, Paras’s career changed when he presented his first show as a Drummer/Vocalist, composer and song-writer called ‘The Journey Begins’, a gospel concert. He never looked back as he was still looking for his original sound as an emerging artist then. In 2012/13, Paras found his sound which he calls ‘Ubuntu Music’ (world music). He met the jazz maestro, Themba Mkhize and after just a few months, he moved to Johannesburg to stay with Mr Mkhize. He then started recording a jazz album produced by both Themba Mkhize and Nduduzo Makhathini. He also collaborated on Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Stage in The Market Theatre with ThembaMkhize. After that appearance, he started getting more bookings with Ugu Jazz in P/Shepstone, KZN yearly. Late 2014 he collaborated with Durban based DJ’s, his first collaboration was a hit with DJ Benny Maverick in turn introducing him to his audiances. Paras has since then composed and recorded on Linda Sikhakhane’s latest album"Isambulo"where he did “uNongoma” (out on all digital platforms) also performing live at the ‘joy of jazz’ (main stage) went on tour with “SA/Swiss Celebration Group” from 22-30 jan. This was brought by Prohelvesia- JHB, supported by Standard Bank arts during the tour in capetown he recorded his debut album in 2 days titled “Ingoma Busuku”, the recorded album also is being produced by the newly ordained doctor in music, Dr Nduduzo Makhathini. He made an appearance on several platforms including SABC 1’s YoTv and Metro FM performing live. Paras is a Performer, SongWriter, Composer. He believes so much in being a versatile musician to survive especially in S.A.“PARAS’ MUSIC IS INFLUENCED BY DIFFERENT SOCIAL Experiences AROUND HIS Space and a Story to Tell”.
Paras Dlamini’s debut album, titled ‘INGOMA BUSUKU’was recorded in Cape Town, South Africa. Although the music, lyrics and even some impromptu performances at various local events, have been under consistent development, this is a fresh take on the distinctly Southern African idiom. Produced by Blue Note Records recording artists/composer/arranger DR Nduduzo Makhathini. This is an evocatively spiritual album that will make you dance, meditate and reflect on your own journeys, the ins and outs of life. Paras Dlamini is accomplished by the eloquent company of South African Saxophonist Linda Sikhakhane’s | SA/Swiss Celebration Group which features Swiss musicians; Lucca Fries (piano), Jonas Ruther (drum), French bassist Geraud Portal.
‘Ingoma Busuku’s’ International tour in Swizerland sold out in 5 five places. Singing in his native Zulu, Dlamini’s voice carries an authenticity and emotional resonance that glides effortlessly across the album’s grooves. Drawing in different audiences, to his soulful melodies and rhythmic improvisations, offering a fresh, globally relevant perspective on South African jazz.

Linda Sikhakhane

Through his searching, saxophonist, composer and Blue Note artist Linda Sikhakhane epitomises the vibrant evolution of South Africa’s jazz landscape. The Umlazi-born and KwaNongoma descendant musician establishes a conversation between the contemporary and traditional, homegrown and global while steeping his ruminations on the personal, societal, spiritual and cultural in rich tones. Owing inspiration to greats such as John Coltrane, Bheki Mseleku, Winston Mankunku Ngozi, Nduduzo Makhathini, Sikhakhane’s style is informed by the interplay between the metropolitan and the folkloric. His offerings deftly align these sonic influences with theoretical concepts drawn from both hereditary customs and academic abstraction.
He began his musical journey at the Siyakhula Music Centre under the gentle guidance of the late Dr. Brian Thusi which saw him completing a Diploma In Jazz at the University Of KwaZulu Natal. His determination led to a relentless work schedule performing live and also in the studio with Nduduzo Makhathini, his longtime mentor, the H3 horn ensemble and many others. Emerging victorious at the SAMRO Overseas Scholarship competition in 2016, he utilized the prize money to fund his Degree programme at The New School in New York. Here, he was mentored by greats such as Billy Harper, Reggie Workman, David Schnitter and Charles Tolliver. Sikhakhane is a Metro Fm awards winner for Best Jazz Album in 2025, 2x SAMA awards nominee with four albums under his name, and was named the Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz in 2022. He has worked with a broad array of artists: Nduduzo Makhathini, Sibongile Khumalo, Themba Mkhize, Letta Mbuli, Nasheet Waits,Khaya Mahlangu, Gregory Porter, Rodney Kendrick, Rhonda Ross Kendrick, Zakes Bantwini, Logan Richardson, Derrick Hodge, Ted Daniel, Thandiswa Mazwai, Herbie Tsoaeli, Somi and more. He has appeared in many stages locally and abroad such as Makhanda Jazz Festival, Joy Of Jazz, Lincoln Center, Mamajaz, Caramoor Jazz Festival, The Bird’s Eye Jazz Club, Ronnie Scott’s, Elphilharmonie (Hamburg), just to name a few.