06-05-2025
Paras Dlamini's debut album offers a fresh take on South African jazz
Internationally acclaimed jazz artist Paras 'Sibalukhulu' Dlamini is set to release his highly anticipated debut album Ingoma Busuku – Song of Night.
In March, Dlamini released the single Indimbane Yezizwe, a powerful track that made waves on the global jazz scene and advocated for unity and self-empowerment across the African continent.
Speaking to TshisaLIVE, he said Ingoma Busuku is an album that blends southern African idioms with innovative jazz sensibilities, creating a captivating musical journey.
'This project was born out of a creative synergy that took shape during Linda Sikhakhane's SA/Swiss Celebration Group Tour in early 2023. I first caught attention for my feature on Sikhakhane's previous album Isambulo, where I contributed to the track uNongoma. This collaboration led to the creation of Ingoma Busuku, an album that reflects my rich cultural heritage and my innovative approach to jazz,' he said.
Produced by Blue Note Records artist and composer Nduduzo Makhathini, Ingoma Busuku is a spiritually charged album that promises to make listeners dance, meditate and reflect. Dlamini is accompanied by the eloquent company of saxophonist Linda Sikhakhane, alongside the SA/Swiss Celebration Group featuring Swiss pianist Lucca Fries and drummer Jonas Ruther, with French bassist Géraud Portal.
'My voice, rooted from my native Zulu language, shines through in the album's grooves, which is complemented by his multidimensional musical influences. Whether through soulful ballads or rhythmic explorations, I offer a fresh take on South African jazz that speaks to both local and international audiences.'
