Abstract:
This study explored and identified primary elements within Xhosa traditional music and culture
that may have an influence on the modern South African jazz sound and approach. The study
further sought to investigate how the upbringing and cultural traditions of the selected musicians
has possibly contributed to their unique sound, through investigating their backgrounds,
compositional techniques, stylistic interpretation, and approach in their output.
The narratives of six South African Xhosa jazz artists on their lives, practices, and works served
as cases. A collective case study design was employed using semi-structured interviews which
were then transcribed verbatim. Three main themes emerged, namely: 1) Early recollections; 2)
Music learning processes; and 3) Sounding home within South African jazz. The first theme
addressed the musicians’ early childhood experiences, surroundings, and the impact of family.
The second theme mainly explored the musicians’ various forms of music learning. The third
theme focused on musicians’ thought of the compositional process, primary musical influences,
and incorporation of indigenous music within their works.
The findings of the study unveil the distinct Xhosa traditional elements thoughtfully integrated into
contemporary South African jazz. These elements have played a pivotal role in shaping South
African jazz, infusing it with a distinctive character. The resonant echoes of Xhosa traditional
music reverberate within the fabric of modern South African jazz, contributing to its unique sonic
identity.
