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NAC International Bursary Funding Beneficiary, Linda Sikhakhane is Imparting his International Academic Knowledge to South African Artists

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NAC International Bursary Funding Beneficiary, Linda Sikhakhane is Imparting his International Academic Knowledge to South African Artists

Every culture has languages that need to be taught to be understood. However, in the social culture of ‘the arts’ music is a universal language. It is a language that transcends barriers, uniting us as individuals and inspiring the freedom and passion that drives us. Historically, music has been a symbol of South Africa’s fight for democracy. In a country with such a rich and diverse cultural heritage, music remains a fundamental tool for strengthening our national unity.

Originally from Umlazi in Kwa-Zulu Natal, Linda Sikhakhane is a Johannesburg-based jazz artist, improviser, and composer. Outside of the music entertainment industry, Linda is a part-time educator, tutor, and lecturer at various institutions across South Africa. Like many other artists, Linda’s artistic passion started at home. Linda was first exposed to jazz music through a local Umlazi music community art centre called ‘Siyakhula’. Linda developed his musical talents from an early age, learning to play the recorder, trumpet, clarinet, and eventually, the saxophone.

Linda is a successful applicant for the 2023 NAC international bursary funding call, obtaining a master’s degree in music (jazz) performance at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo, Norway.  With this qualification, Linda aimed to return to South Africa to join various academic music institutions in the hopes of adding valuable contributions to the development of the music industry of South Africa. Linda also aimed to further his studies upon his return to South Africa.

In an interview with the NAC, he explained, “Inquiry has always been imported into my journey. I [want to] expand my knowledge [and] formalise what I do. I’ve found that being a part of an institution as a student helps [create] a voice for your journey. This NAC bursary helped [me] navigate the space I was in. I have been fortunate to be a part of various institutes, [developing] their syllabus and trying to help the schools with funding opportunities”.

When asked if education is important in developing a career in the music industry, Linda explained, “I [believe] education is imperative. In surgeries, you’ll find people who specialise in a particular [medical] field. Being an artist and being invested in this academic journey helps you to realise your artistic speciality. It’s important to incorporate education in your artistic world”.

He further explained, “I think there’s a deep sense of evolution. We see a lot more artists obtaining degrees and navigating towards institutions. With bursaries [such as the one offered by the NAC], we are [moving] in a good direction. Job opportunities in South Africa are very minimal and I consider myself very privileged to not sit at home for a long time without a job”.

The NAC is proud to be a platform of support for Linda and artists alike in the development of South Africa’s arts and culture sector. The National Arts Council’s International Bursary Funding Call and others like it illustrate the NAC’s mandate to provide and encourage the provision of opportunities for persons to practice the arts.

Currently, Linda is a part-time lecturer at the University of Pretoria. He has also recently released his fourth studio album titled “iLadi”, published through Universal Music Africa. He plans to take the album on tour in Europe and the United States of America.

 

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