Sisonke Xonti Releases New Jazz Album uKholo
The South African musician explores themes of resilience and faith on his latest studio record.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Jazz
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Saxophonist Sisonke Xonti has officially released his third studio album, uKholo. The new work serves as a personal reflection on resilience, faith, and grief following a period of significant change.
Why it matters
The album marks a creative milestone for the 2020 Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz winner, who composed the arrangements to process personal losses and the impact of the pandemic.
Xonti completed the recording process for his third studio album in just two days of studio time. This follows the 2020 release of his second studio album, uGaba, The Migration.
The players
Sisonke Xonti
He is an accomplished South African saxophonist and composer who received the Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz award in 2020.
Yonela Mnana
He is a musician who collaborated as a co-writer and co-producer on Xonti's latest studio project.
Mandisi Dyantyis
He is a vocalist and composer who contributes his voice to the track Khanya on the new album.
The details
Co-produced by Yonela Mnana, the album features contributions from drummer Ayanda Sikade and percussionist Gontse Makhene. Vocalist Mandisi Dyantyis also appears on the track Khanya to round out the project's sound.
Timeline
2020: Sisonke Xonti released his second album and won a prestigious jazz award.
1 October 2026: The album uKholo was officially released to the public.
31 October 2026: Xonti performs at Kids Love Jazz in Braamfontein.
1 November 2026: An album launch performance takes place at the Homecoming Centre.
7 November 2026: Xonti performs at the Market Theatre.
Industry Dynamics
The album release highlights the vibrant output of contemporary South African jazz musicians who continue to build their profiles through regional performances. This trajectory follows the pattern set by recipients of the Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz award.
Fans can hear the new material live at upcoming performances in Braamfontein, Cape Town, and at the Market Theatre. Tickets for these launch concerts are expected to be available through the respective venue box offices.
The takeaway
The swift two-day recording process highlights the focused preparation and artistic clarity behind this collection of music. Listeners interested in local jazz can support the artist by attending the upcoming series of launch performances throughout November.
Further reading
Explore more local releases and artist spotlights in the Jazz section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Mail & Guardian.
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