By: Natasha Archary
Siya Makuzeni, a South African Jazz virtuoso who celebrates 21 years of vibrant compositions and soulful trombone performances, joins Brenda Sisane on The Jazz Standard.
Sharing more about her deep love for music education, Siya’s musical prowess is well-recognized and her passion has made her an influential figure in nurturing the next generation of musicians.
“I think I was lucky in being exposed to the aspects and foundation of music and what I wanted to do whilst I was still at school.
My formative years were the most important for me to understand what I was stepping into.
There was also a place of support and many resources, considering that I grew up in the Eastern Cape. If we look at what’s happening with the education debate in South Africa, my foundational upbringing is paramount and valuable.
To be able to go to a balanced school that allowed me to flourish in my academics but also use culture and music as a form of expression, to allow you to figure out what you want to do with your life.”
Raised in a household where music was an integral part of her daily life, Siya was exposed to a diverse range of sounds, from traditional African rhythms to classical Jazz melodies.
This early exposure to music sparked her interest and laid the foundation for her future career.
Siya Makuzeni began her formal music education in high school where she learned to play the trombone. She later honed her skills at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where she studied Jazz performance and was mentored by some of South Africa’s most distinguished musicians.
Her exceptional talent soon became evident and she quickly established herself as a rising star in the South African music scene.
Advocacy for Inclusive Music Education
Siya Makuzeni is a strong advocate for inclusive music education, emphasizing the importance of providing equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their socio-economic background. She believes that music education should not be a privilege reserved for a few but a right available to everyone.
“Many talented young people lack access to quality music education due to financial constraints or limited resources in their communities. We need to work together to create a more inclusive and equitable music education system that allows every child to reach their full potential.”
