
Siya Makuzeni
Siya Makuzeni is a trailblazing South African trombonist, vocalist, and composer renowned for her vocal dexterity and experimental creativity. A recipient of the 2016 Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Jazz, she blends traditional and modern jazz with Xhosa music, soul, and electronic influences to create a distinctive, genre-defying sound.
As a performer, Siya has graced international stages such as the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Joy of Jazz, Safaricom Jazz Festival in Kenya, and Jazz in the Lights (2024). She has collaborated with luminaries like Branford Marsalis, Sibongile Khumalo, and David Murray, while also contributing to celebrated projects like Nelson Mandela – The Lost Tapes and The Road.
As composer/ arranger / band leader, Siya amalgamates genre-bending into a tasteful journey that transcends pop/soul/RnB/jazz-fusion/rock sentiments and allows the listener to explore new soundscape offerings (live vocal loops, backtrack arrangements, sound & electronic manipulation) from South Africa’s musical landscape.
With her innovative use of live vocal loops and sound manipulation, Siya’s music invites listeners on a transformative journey through South Africa’s rich musical landscape, affirming her as one of the most dynamic voices in contemporary jazz. Siya Makuzeni (Live) promises to be a whirlwind musical experience.