Bassist releases début album

MOZAMBICAN double bassist, Ildo Nandja, will tour KZN to launch his début album.

IIdo Nandja was born in Maputo, Mozambique. From a young age, he engaged with playing music, starting with percussion instruments. Through his involvement in a local music and dance company, Ildo began playing the timbila, a traditional xylophone, as well as percussion instruments. His dedication led him to perform at events and festivals around the world.

Nandja is currently studying towards a master’s degree in jazz performance and working on a traditional music research project at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Recognised as an outstanding and disciplined bass player and soloist, he has collaborated with countless established local and international musicians.

Ildo Nandja’s début album, Paz A Todos (Peace to All), features a range of sounds and influences that combine his background in traditional music with the harmonic and melodic complexity of jazz.

“I want to offer the audience not just a show, but a memorable experience – a great party together with people they do and don’t know, all united by the music,” said Ildo.

The full-length album features a repertoire of original material composed and arranged by the artist. Apart from double bass, Nandja also plays electric bass, and on some tracks provides guitar, percussion and vocals. Several local and international musicians also contributed to the recording and the resulting blend of jazz, contemporary world music with Latin timbres offers listeners a distinctive harmonic signature. His band features Ildo Nandja on vocals and double bass, Sanele Phakathi on keys, Sebastian Goldswain on guitar and Sidney Rash on drums.

Performances are at Seaman’s Corner, Hammarsdale (unit 3) on Saturday, 6 February at 7pm (R30) and at Rainbow Restaurant in Pinetown on Sunday, 7 February at 2pm (R70). Tickets are available through www.webtick ets.co.za or at Pick n Pay.