ABOUT

Debuted in the U.K. at the inaugural Nelson Mandela Day, which was sanctioned by the United Nations in London, my music blends African traditional sounds with jazz, gospel, classical and neo-soul—always rooted in rhythm, spirituality and story.

I am a composer, vocalist, and a multidisciplinary artist of Xhosa and Zulu heritage, originally from South Africa. My name is Thandanani Gumede, although most people call me: Thanda (pronounced like ‘Tanda’), a Zulu name that means ‘love one another’. My voice embodies the sounds of my dual heritage including the distinct clicks of the southern Bantu languages, and I use it to share joy, lamentation, activism and connection.

Performance appearances include the Haymarket Theatre Royal at the West End; the Roundhouse Theatre in London, the award winning Pizza Express Jazz Club in SOHO, the London Jazz festival, the BBC Proms and Buckingham Palace for Her Majesty (the late) Queen Elizabeth II and her family.

Additionally, I performed for the late Emeritus Bishop Desmond Tutu alongside prodigious cellists Abel Selaocoe and Yo-Yo Ma (x19 Grammy Award winning artist)in London. Radio and TV features include SKY 1, BBC Radio & BBC TV, SABC, ITV and Channel 5.

My international exhibitions include Australia, Germany, Poland, South Africa and Thailand. Locally, Leeds has become a creative home for me: I became a contributing author to Books Without Borders through the University of Leeds (commissioned by the Arts and Humanities Research Council). I’ve worked extensively with Opera North as well as with Jazz North and Manchester Jazz Festival where I currently serve as a Board member.

Further collaborations include the National Youth Jazz Orchestra in London and Buxton International Festival where I was commissioned to compose the first ever African short opera in Europe, with the libretto by the prolific Zodwa Nyoni. I cross pollinated Classical music with jazz, gospel and African Traditional genre amalgamates. 

My personal passion is providing bespoke specialist vocal tuition to private clients when and working with the Otley Action charity organisation where I serve as the MD for the choir for older people.