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
