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Sy Ntuli [ BIOGRAPHY ]

Hailed as the new prince of African jazz, Sy Ntuli is taking African music to new heights. His smart combination of Zulu sounds laced with a blend of cocktail African influences, melted in a typical smooth jazz pot has given birth to a brand new musical landscape. A sleek sophisticated African jazz sound has become a trademark that defines Sy Ntuli` s music. His sound is characterized by polyphonic use of catchy multi-layered melodic patterns accompanying the main melody. This leaves your ears spoiled with a choice of juxtapose little sweet melodies that complement and enhance the main melody. His passion for gospel music mirrors in his rich vocal arrangements resulting to a somewhat complex texture.

Sy Ntuli has just released his brand new sophomore album titled, Second Coming. It is this offering that truly cements him as the most powerful young male vocalist for African jazz. His unique style of music serves as a breather of fresh air in an industry that is already stuffed and flooded with monotonous sounds. He brings a new meaning to what can be termed as ‘Zulu jazz ballads'. His artful blending of different styles of Zulu music with jazz elements undoubtedly puts him in a league of his own. You will be hard pressed to find somebody who does what Sy Ntuli does, and does it so well. The world has waited for so long for this holistic and fulfilling album, and thanks God, it's finally here! With his smooth as velvet tones, and mesmerizing compositional abilities, he is fast winning audience worldwide.

His music career was launched in 2001, when he won the Old Mutual Jazz Encounters Award as Best African Jazz Artist. He then released his debut album titled Uyivila in 2004 . With his across the board appeal, it came as no surprise when his debut album was voted the Best Jazz Album and won him the coveted Metro FM Award in barely less than a year after its release. With only two albums under his belt, Sy Ntuli has neatly crafted a golden freeway to stardom, which is punctuated by the growing demand of his music globally.

He takes special interest in songwriting, and is fast becoming one of the most sought-after and respected composers. He has penned hit songs for many artists including the multi-award winning artists such as Swazi Dlamini, Jabu Hlongwane, to name just a few. Sy is notably one of the most influential music educators. He lists among his former protégés the drama queen Lebo Mathosa, the multi-award singing sensation Siphokazi, Kwela Tebza, Jaziel Brothers, some members of Joyous Celebration and the Grammy Award winning group Soweto Gospel Choir, and many more.

While some people hail him as the new prince of African jazz, some have crowned him as a true custodian of modern Zulu music. Which ever way you look at it, Sy Ntuli is destined for bigger things. So, jump on the band wagon and be part of his journey. He was quoted, “I write the music that writes the history.”

He is indeed, history in the making. There is no doubt that history will hail him as one of the greatest African Jazz musicians.

What other critics say about Sy Ntuli` s music:

“This is an impressive album by a consummate musician. This is one of the most organic and soulful album I`ve heard. You will never regret owning this album” Welcome Skosana, City Press Newspaper .

“It is a strong Afro-jazz work with socially conscious tracks like AIDS Song, Respect the Children and Ma Africa.” Sam Mathe, Sunday Sun Newspaper.

“Sy Ntuli is not only an award-winning jazz musician, he`s also a respected music lecturer and social commentator.” Teddy Gomba, Bona Magazine.

“African jazz has been blessed with an individualist – and an album that promises popular appeal.” Sylvester Haskins, The Star Newspaper.

SY NTULI FACT FILE

Did you know?

  • His debut album, Uyivila, released in 2004, won the Metro FM Award for Best Jazz Album in 2005.
  • He has toured and performed in Norway , United Kingdom , Swaziland , Zimbabwe , and Mozambique .
  • His music artistically combines different styles of traditional Zulu music with jazz elements.
  • His brand new sophomore album titled Second Coming is currently the best selling jazz album in the market. It has received raving reviews from critical-and- hard-to-please music journalists and is tipped to scoop many awards.
  • Sy Ntuli is a Zulu boy, born in Kwa-Ngwanase, Kosi Bay , in KwaZulu-Natal.
  • He holds a Bachelor of Music (B Mus) degree from the University of Zululand ; a University Education Diploma (U.E.D) from the University of Zululand ; a Marketing Management Diploma from the University of Johannesburg ; and he is currently studying law (LLB) with the University of South Africa .
  • He is one of the most respected jazz educators, and a proud member of International Jazz Educators. His protégés include the late Lebo Mathosa; the multi award winning sensation Siphokazi; Jaziel Brothers; Kwela Tebza; Andy Magaaz; Bucie; the key members of the Grammy award winning group - Soweto Gospel Choir, to name just a few.
  • He is a singer, pianist, song writer, producer, and owns a record company.
  • He has written songs for the award winning artists such as Jabu Hlongwane, Swazi Dlamini, to name a few.
  • His role model is Nelson Mandela, to whom he dedicated his debut album, and wrote a special song titled Mandela.
  • His first love, is gospel music, it is only after he won the Old Mutual Jazz Encounters in 2001 that he decided to record a jazz album. This explains why both his jazz albums ( Uyivila and Second Coming ) are titled with gospel songs.
  • Sy Ntuli has shared the stage with the greatest artists such as Al Jarreau, Oliver Mtukudzi, Bheki Khoza, Jabu Kanyile, to name a few.
  • His powerful mellifluous velvet voice resembles some of the world's greatest singers such as Luther Vandross and Will Downing.
  • The future looks good for this born-again Christian, as Heaven opens the flood gates, and letting it rain blessings… Enjoy the music!

Tel: +27 82 267 6397 | E-mail info@sy-zeemusic.com