Our next guest part of an improv band that has set the world alight in 2024. Kujenga is an afro-jazz band based in Milnerton, Cape Town. The word ‘kujenga’ comes from the Swahili language, and it simply means “to build.” The name symbolises the band’s belief in their calling as musicians; to build and create meaningful experiences with every single listener, through their art.

The group has recently returned from an international tour in the United Kingdom, Standard Bank Joy of Jazz and performed at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. The band has received accolades including Newcomer of the Year at the 2024 Mzansi Jazz Awards, a SAMA Award nomination for Best Jazz Album, and recognition on the Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans list.

The collective's journey started back in 2017 as a backing band for local artists. The band features Owethu Ndwandwe on lead vocals and keys, twin brother Zwide Ndwandwe on bass, Thane Smith on electric guitar and Skhumbuzo Qamata on drums. Kujenga’s music is a combination of different genres which come from the African diaspora, with Black improvisational music being the central point of the band’s sound. Today, they join us to reflect on their musical journey and the success of their second album: In the Wake and their upcoming appearance at the Journey to Jazz festival in 2025. We are joined virtually by….

Guest: Zwide Ndwandwe - Bassist, Composer and co-Founder of Kujenga