Presenting
SYDNEY MAVUNDLA
Quartet
A Soulful Journey Through Jazz
Get ready to be swept away by the warm, vibrant tones of Sydney Mavundla, a trumpet maestro whose music pulses with the heartbeat of South Africa. Born in the bustling streets of Johannesburg and raised in the lush landscapes of Barberton, Mpumalanga, Sydney’s journey began at 14 when his father first handed him a trumpet, igniting a lifelong love affair with jazz. By 1986, he was soaking up wisdom from his first formal teacher, Prince Lengoasa, before heading to Durban to study under Brian Thusi. That same year, Sydney’s talent landed him a spot in Mario Monteregge’s Music Unlimited Big Band, where his soulful sound started turning heads.
THE BAND
SYDNEY MAVUNDLA – Trumpet
ROLAND MOSES – Acoustic Piano, Keyboards & Synthesizer
GALLY NGOVENI – Double & Electric Bass
ROB WATSON – Drums
OVERVIEW
In 1989, Sydney returned to Johannesburg, wrapping up grade 12 while diving deeper into music with theory lessons from Cyril Khumalo at AMDA and trumpet mastery under Allan Wright. His passion led him to Natal University in 1992, where he pursued a B Mus. Degree in Jazz Studies under the legendary Professor Darius Brubeck. There, he honed his craft with trumpet lessons from Michel Schneuwly, principal trumpeter of the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra, and studied arranging with Chris Metz. In 1995, a scholarship whisked him to Florida International University in Miami, where he soaked up the brilliance of Cuban trumpet icon Arturo Sandoval and American maestro John Bailey, while also exploring conducting with Dr. Richard Holtz and Ivor Bosanko.
Sydney’s versatility shines in the classical realm, having graced ensembles like the Johannesburg Music Initiative, KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra, Johannesburg Festival Orchestra, and Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra. But his heart beats strongest in jazz, where he’s a beloved figure at the annual youth jazz festival in Makhanda (Grahamstown). There, he’s not only inspired young musicians as part of the teaching staff but also lit up the stage with the Awesome Big Band, a sizzling collective of local and international talent. Sydney’s also shared his groove at Tshwane University of Technology’s jazz summer workshops, mentoring the next generation of jazz cats.
ACCOLADES
A true global ambassador of jazz, Sydney has toured far and wide, from Africa’s vibrant scenes to stages across the world. Today, he’s keeping the rhythm alive with various ensembles, including his own electrifying Quintet. His debut album, Luhambo, dropped in December 2016, earning a South African Music Awards (SAMA) nomination in 2017—a testament to his soul-stirring sound. And just this April 2024, he unveiled Dirge for Our Fathers, a heartfelt masterpiece that’s already snagged a Metro FM Awards nomination for 2025.
Get ready to sway, tap, and lose yourself in the warm, timeless melodies of Sydney Mavundla—a true jazz storyteller whose trumpet sings of heritage, heart, and harmony.
Sydney Mavundla in concert @ House on the Hill – YOUTUBE
Sydney Mavundla Quartet live at Lunga’s Jazz Lounge – YOUTUBE
ForestJazz 24th - 25th October 