Sikhakhane's come up has been nothing short of impressive. A student of the late, great Dr. Brian Thusi, he's gone on to play alongside South African greats past and present, and has been a regular feature in Nduduzo Makhathini's band since debuting on his album Mother Tongue (2014). He was awarded the SAMRO Overseas Scholarship in 2016. This opportunity opened the door that has since seen him going to study under the mentorship of innovators like Billy Harper, David Schnitter, Charles Tolliver, and Reggie Workman at The New School. Besides pursuing academic work, Sikhakhane shared stages with respected jazz musicians in the same city that greats such as his greatest influence, John Coltrane, plied their trade. The learnings from those interactions have gone on to shape the intuitive, seasoned musician he is becoming. Sikhakhane holds two self-released albums under his name, his critically acclaimed 2017 debut album, Two Sides, One Mirror. Recorded as part of his Senior Recital at The New School in New York, USA, An Open Dialogue is a staggering work that impresses with its sonic exploration of the yonder.
