The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music proudly presents The Jazzy Shandu Ensemble (JSE) on 25 Wednesday 2026 at 17:30.

The Jazzy Shandu Ensemble (JSE) perform mainly compositions by Derrick “Simpi” Mbatha, who informally learnt music from Hugh Masekela and Victor Ntoni whom he met in New York, the United States, in the 1980s. Assisted by guitarist Bheki Khoza and bassist Jimmy Mngwandi, Mbatha produced a CD of his music with voices a couple of years ago.

Currently he is leading The Jazzy Shandu Ensemble (JSE), with Samkelo “Njinji’ Magwaza on keyboard, Thuto Motsemme on double bass, Nhlanhla Moletsane on trumpet, Phathokuhle Khathi on trombone and Manelisi Khumalo on tenor saxophone, and Mbatha on drums. The ensemble instrumentally performs this uniquely South African kind of jazz. It recently captivated people at a Bat Centre concert which opened with Duke Ellington’s gospel ballad, “Come Sunday”.

Event Details: The Jazzy Shandu Ensemble (JSE)

Date: Wednesday, 25 March 2026

Doors Open: 17:00

Music Starts: 17:30

Venue: University of KwaZulu-Natal – Howard College Campus

Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2

Centre for Jazz and Popular Music

Tickets will be available for cash at the door.