Nduduzo Makhathini – The Myth We Choose (2026)

In 2026, acclaimed South African pianist and composer Nduduzo Makhathini returns with a compelling new album entitled The Myths We Choose. This work continues Makhathini’s exploration of spirituality and social consciousness through a rich jazz idiom, emphasizing collective responsibility and a hopeful outlook toward the future.

At the heart of the album is Makhathini’s South African trio, which anchors the project with a deeply rooted sound. However, the album extends beyond this core group, incorporating a diverse array of collaborators that broaden the musical palette and introduce fresh textures. The collection features thirteen original tracks, including three thematic reprises that deepen the narrative arc of the release.

The opening piece, “Kuzodlula,” strikes a delicate balance between lightness and shadow, addressing themes of forgiveness with a tender 3/4 ballad approach. The arrangement features a dynamic interplay between bowed and pizzicato bass, subdued drumming, and the distinctive trumpet work of Robin Fassie, which together create an evocative soundscape foregrounding Makhathini’s chordal and vocal expressions.

Ancestral reverence and ritualistic elements pervade the track “Imvunge KaNtu,” which pays homage to the Zulu Kingdom and the spiritual entity of Ntu. The piece is marked by complex, asymmetrical rhythms, handclaps, and vocal chants, illustrating Makhathini’s commitment to honoring cultural heritage while pushing musical boundaries.

One of the album’s standout collaborations includes the track “Liyoze Line Nangakithi,” where Makhathini engages in spirited improvisations alongside the serpentine flute lines of British saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings. The composition culminates in incantatory chants over subtle percussion, evoking spiritual transcendence and ritualistic invocation.

Complementing this is “Ekuqaleni,” a rhythmically intricate piece set in a quintuple meter. Here, Makhathini introduces electronic elements such as the vocoder, infusing a contemporary sheen without detracting from the album’s organic and spiritual core.

Vocal contributions are a notable feature throughout The Myths We Choose. Makhathini’s wife and frequent collaborator Onogugu lends her voice to the English-language track “What People Say,” a composition that combines gentle grooves and reflective lyricism. Other vocalists include Thando Zide, who adds neo-soul undertones on “Tethered,” and Muneyi, whose performance on “Linwalo Ia Mubebi” honors paternal love through lyrics sung in the Tshivenda language.

Noteworthy is a reprise of “What People Say” that offers a contrasting club and dance interpretation, crafted by renowned DJ Black Coffee. This remix bridges traditional jazz sensibilities with contemporary dance music, highlighting Makhathini’s versatility and openness to genre fusion.

Instrumental tracks such as “Primordial Egg” showcase the nuanced percussive skills of drummer Ayanda Sikade, who delivers intricate cymbal work over a rubato framework. Meanwhile, “Kwamability” presents an intimate duet with bassist Dalisu Ndlazi, offering a nocturnal meditation dedicated to the Zulu shaman Credo Mutwa, marked by vulnerable lyricism and contemplative moods.

The album closes with “Unembeza,” a composition that resonates with the folk-jazz legacy of pianist Abdullah Ibrahim. Its tightly articulated structure and profound emotive depth underscore Makhathini’s ability to channel historical influences into a contemporary framework.

The Myths We Choose emerges as a multifaceted musical statement that synthesizes ancestral wisdom, spiritual inquiry, and modern innovation. Through its varied sonic landscapes and thoughtful collaborations, the album invites listeners into a world where myth and reality converge to inspire reflection on personal and collective futures.

While details on the recording sessions and release specifics remain limited, this project reaffirms Nduduzo Makhathini’s position as a pioneering figure in Afro-jazz, continually expanding the genre’s horizons with profound artistic vision.