The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music is proud to present The Jazz and Pop final exit recitals on Wednesday, 19 November 2025 at 17:00.

Please join the UKZN final year Music Students Amanda Mbatha, Zibuyile Shabane and Thembalethu Bhengu and Ntokozo Kunene as showcase their exceptional talent in a night of soul-stirring music and captivating performances.

 

Amanda Mbatha: A Captivating Performer

Amanda Mbatha, a final-year BA Music student at UKZN born and raised in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Mbatha's passion for singing was ignited at Siphumelele Primary School and nurtured through her church choir and Sunday School performances. Her unique sound blends soulful jazz and African influences, reflecting her growth as a musician and individual. Collaborating with artists like Dr. Sibusiso "Mash" Mashiloane has expanded her understanding of jazz and African sounds, helping refine her technique and artistic expression. Surrounded by talented musicians, Amanda learns something new every day and aspires to grow both as a musician and as a person.

 

Zibuyile Shabane: A Soulful Voice

Zibuyile Brightness Shabane, a talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Born and bred in Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal. Shabane's passion for music was ignited at a young age, performing at school assemblies and taking part in local activities. Her sound blends RnB, soul, and jazz, reflecting her growth as a musician and individual. After Matric, she studied at ESAYIDI Tvet College, Gamalakhe main campus. Alongside the great jazz pianist Andile Yenana. Now under the mentorship of Debbie Mari, Neil Gonsalves and Demi Fernandez, she presents her final Bachelor of Arts in Music recital, which will include well known jazz standards, popular music, her own composition and show her versatility & performance skills.

 

Thembalethu Bhengu: A Rising Star in South African Jazz

Thembalethu Bhengu, a talented 21-year-old jazz vocalist, Hailing from Pretoria with roots in Umlazi, Durban. Bhengu brings a rich blend of cultural influences to her music. Known for her soulful voice and captivating ballads, she draws inspiration from a diverse range of legends, including Sibongile Khumalo, Betty Carter, Simphiwe Dana, Nomfundo Xaluva and Nancy Wilson, to name a few. Thembalethu earned her recognition as a two-time National Youth Jazz Band finalist and a semi-finalist in the prestigious 2025 UNISA Voice Competition.

Accompanying band : Piano - Sbonelo Nxumalo, Bass - Bongani Sokhela, Drums - Riley Giandhari

Guitar - Nick Pitman

 

Ntokozo Kunene: A sensational vocalist and scholar

Ntokozo Kunene is a completing her final year at the University of KwaZulu Natal, where she majors in Music and Psychology. Raised in a musical family, she began singing at the age of eight and has since performed with artists such as Zethe Zimela and featured on Sibusiso “Mash” Mashiloane’s acclaimed album Isigqi. A Golden Key International Honour Society member and consistent top achiever. Passionate about the intersection of music and mental health, Ntokozo aspires to pursue postgraduate studies in Music Therapy, using her voice to heal, inspire, and connect. She will be accompanied by her own band

 

Recital Details:

Date: 19 November 2025 (Wednesday)

Time: 17:00

Venue: Centre for Jazz and popular music

Entrance is free