Johannesburg, 18 August 2025 — Today, South African jazz maestro Nduduzo Makhathini premiered his highly anticipated Tiny Desk Concert, and we were privileged to be in the room as history unfolded. The moment he walked into the space, his face lit with excitement and anticipation, it was clear this performance was more than just a slot on NPR’s iconic stage — it was a milestone for South African music on a global platform.
Known for weaving spirituality, improvisation, and ancestral memory into his sound, Makhathini brought a deeply rooted performance that turned the intimate desk setup into something ceremonial. From the first chord, the audience was transported, each note carrying layers of history, ritual, and a distinctly South African rhythm that resonated beyond borders.
Stand Out Performance
What stood out most was the pride he carried with him. His body language, his playing, and even his pauses spoke of someone fully aware of the magnitude of the moment. For us in the room, watching Makhathini raise the South African jazz flag so high on such an influential stage was both humbling and electrifying.
His Tiny Desk wasn’t just a concert, it was a testament to jazz as a living, breathing art form. A reminder that South African music doesn’t just belong at the table; it transforms the table itself.
At 10and5, we are incredibly proud to witness and celebrate this moment. Nduduzo Makhathini’s Tiny Desk marks another chapter in the global recognition of South African jazz, and we can’t wait to see how he continues to shape the narrative of music both at home and abroad.
