Ayanda Sikade - Movements (2018)

Growing up through the years, I always had a dream of being able to use music as a vehicle for finding my inner being. The journey has not been easy as it involves a lot of learning from the day I started tampering with the drums. However, through the guidance of God the almighty and masters in music that he has sent I have been able to find strength. One of the significant pillars in my journey have be my grandmother Nontwazana Nozamile Sikade that introduce me to ingoma and various repertoires that carried the tales of my people. My grandmother’s teachings were very central in the process of conceiving this record; within this project, I echo ukombela, ukuxhentsa and other traditional styles absorbed in my upbringing.
It is important to also mention that my thinking on this record is inspired by some of my early teachers, and jazz bands in the township of Mdantsane. Some of these bands included, Vuka Jazz Band where I got my introduction to the art form. Vuka Jam Band had a lineage of great musicians such as Malawi born drummer Dick Khoza and pianist/composer Tete Mbambisa. I come to this art-form through trumpeter Bra Tex Nduluka, tenor saxophonist Bra Tally Goduka and by Mr Lulama Gawulana "Ta Lager" who put the first drumsticks in my hands and showing the traditional grip. These encounters gave birth my quest of pursuing deeper meanings in sound. The project also draws from the teachings of the late great master Zim Ngqawana, who exposed me to different concepts of playing music freely and openly. Furthermore, it is through Ngqawana that I am able conceptualized this work and how it further links to broader discourse of spirituality.

The previously mentioned stages of my development as a human being and improviser, is what I refer to as Movements responsible for cultivated my perception of sound. Movements is therefore my humble dedication to life, people, events, memories, time and space.
Ayanda Sikade