BIO | Nobuhle Ashanti

Nobuhle Ashanti (27) hails from the vibrant musical landscape of Cape Town, South Africa, epitomizing the city's rich creative spirit. As a pianist, composer, and recording artist, Nobuhle's musical journey began at the Beau Soleil Music Centre. There, she initially delved into classical violin before discovering her profound passion for the piano.

A Mzantsi Jazz Award-winning and SAMA-nominated artist, Nobuhle is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians. She has played pivotal roles in various youth music initiatives, including The Little Giants, the Sekunjalo Edujazz Youth Program, and the prestigious Grahamstown International Youth Jazz Festival.

Nobuhle’s upbringing was a mosaic of South African musical traditions and the rich legacies of local legends. This diverse background profoundly influences her compositional style, which seamlessly blends South African jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Jazz Fusion, and Soul. Her music often features intricate vocal and horn arrangements, reflecting her talent for crafting captivating, multi-dimensional melodies.

In May 2024, Nobuhle embarked on a month-long research and performance residency in Basel, Switzerland**, where she performed at The Birds Eye Jazz Club in collaboration with Prohelvetia and the Centre for African Studies, Basel. This opportunity highlights her international appeal and dedication to expanding her artistic horizons.

Further establishing her global presence, Nobuhle has been chosen to represent South Africa as one of four creative acts on a tour across four Sub-Saharan African countries. Sponsored by the

Goethe-Institute, Germany, allowing for her to share her original music with new audiences across the continent.

Over the years, Nobuhle has enchanted audiences at numerous live venues and festivals in Cape Town, distinguishing herself as a sought-after session pianist. She also leads The Ashanti Tribe, a live project bringing together a diverse group of artists to celebrate heritage and foster healing through music.

Nobuhle's debut album, 'Bait for Steps Forward', released in March 2023, is a testament to her creative prowess. This album features some of Cape Town’s finest poets, instrumentalists, and vocalists, creating a musical tapestry that resonates deeply with the soul.

Nobuhle Ashanti is not merely a musician; she is a cultural ambassador, weaving the richness of her South African roots into the global music scene.

Career Highlights:

Cape Town International Jazz Festival with the Sekunjalo Program (2011).
Jazzathon Festival (CPT).
Selected as one of three pianists for the CT All Star Band (2014).
Standard Bank International Youth Jazz Festival National Schools’ Big Band (2016).
Bayimba Jazz Festival (2017).
Pianist for Heels Over Head SA Tour (2018).
Featured on Dumama + Kechou’s "Buffering Juju" album.
UCT Big Band (2018).
Ernestine Deane’s Dub4Mama band project.
Performed for Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan at the District 6 Museum (2019).
Cape Town Light's Festival (2016).
Panelist for "Heritage Sounds - Sounds of The Cape" at The Artscape Theatre (2019).
Sofar Sessions with singer-songwriter Refentse Ramatlodi (2019).
Panelist for the "Young Artists" online discussion by SAJE (South African Jazz Education).
Maya Spector's "Honey & Heartache" album.
Co-arranged, co-composed, and co-produced the debut album "Four Walls" by singer-songwriter, and musician, Lauren Manning.
Finalist in the Emirates National Jazz Band Competition (2019).
Participant in The Indigo Waves initiative hosted by Zeitz Mocaa Museum (March 2022).
Keynote speaker on "The Importance of Artist Portfolio, Branding, and Outsourcing Funding" for Concept Records' Artist Workshop (2022).
Panelist for International Jazz Day online discussion on Jazz, Hip Hop, and Poetry (April 2022).
One of six South African artists representing Artscape in workshops across France, Portugal, and Sweden (2022).
Composed the score for the "Good Farmers" documentary aired on eTV in partnership with Concept Records (July 2022).
The National Arts Festival's online concerts with her band The Ashanti Tribe (2023).
Msaki's Delta Love Experience (2023).
Artist residency for Nirox Sculpture Park (JHB) with artist, singer, songwriter, Siyabonga Mthembu (2024)
Artist residency in Basel, Switzerland (2024).
Selected for Goethe Institute (Germany) for Pan-African tour (2024).

Nobuhle Ashanti continues to be a beacon of South African music, bridging cultural gaps and touching hearts with her profound artistry.