Nhlanhla Magagula is a pianist, composer and producer with numerous writing and production credits on some of the best local albums to his name. Nhlanhla is mostly self-taught with a few brushes with formal music lessons and comes from a family of music lovers. He jokingly adds†I come from the most musical family that don’t play any instruments†Among his influences he counts, Sonny Clark, Bud Powell, Red Garland, Hank Jones, Jimmy Smith, Bobby Timmons, Keith Jarret, Kenny Barron, Don Pullen, John Hicks, Herbie Hancock Shakes Mgudlwa, Tete Mbambisa and Bheki Mseleku. Nhlanhla is regular feature on the live circuit between Johannesburg and Cape Town, two cities he calls home. He is currently putting the final touches to his long anticipated album, which should see him take his rightful place on the world stage.
About his music he says, “ I like to think it is an honest reflection and a natural culmination of all my musical experiencesâ€. “Forward looking though I try to be and as eclectic as the forces that have played part in my current musical flavour, I aim to pay homage to my musical heritage and backgroundâ€.
Nhlanhla’s mostly soulful, gospel and African tinge, sets him apart from the mostly mainstream standard repertoire performing pianists where he goes.
On composition on piano he says, “ my philosophy is, the piano is the instrument by which I write and perform musicâ€. “ So naturally, I tend to lean more toward composer pianists as opposed to pianist’s, pianists, if that makes any sense†“ I’m aware though that because these type of cats were and are great composers, the critics, downplay their ability on the instrumentâ€. “ A couple of names that come to mind is Bobby Timmons, Ray Bryant, Donald Brown, James Williams and Bheki Mseleku in my own backyard.â€
Nhlanhla Magagula writes, produces and performs in various idioms and works with differing musical groups including writing for theatre and movies.
