South African pianist and composer Nduduzo Makhathini has issued his fourth album for Blue Note Records, a 16-track project titled The Myth We Choose that pairs his working trio with a diverse set of guest artists.
Personnel and Production
Co-produced by Makhathini and his 18-year-old son Thingo Makhathini, the record is built around the pianist’s core trio: bassist Dalisu Ndlazi and drummer Lukmil Perez. Their live interplay anchors the album’s layered arrangements.
Featured collaborators include flutist Shabaka Hutchings, DJ and producer Black Coffee, trumpeter Robin Fassie, and guitarist Kennan Ahrends. Vocal contributions come from Thando Zide, Muneyi, and Omagugu.
Tracklist
The sequence unfolds with recurring motifs and reprises, reflecting a narrative approach to composition:
- Kuzodlula
- Imvunge KaNtu
- Kwamabili
- Unembeza
- Liyoze Lineangakithi
- What People Say
- Primordial Egg
- Ekuqaleni
- Ļińwalo ḽa Mubebi
- Umbono
- Linwalo la Mubebi reprise
- Tethered
- Ongaphesheya
- What People Say featuring Black Coffee and Omagugu reprise
- Kuzodlula reprise
- Zimthilili
Thematic Focus
The album continues Makhathini’s exploration of spirituality, memory, and identity, blending spiritual jazz, African sound traditions, and modern improvisation. The inclusion of both international figures and emerging South African voices extends the project’s global reach while keeping it rooted in African rhythmic structures.
