WEDNESDAY GROOVE ALERT: ‘The Gatherers’ Set to Liven Up UKZN Jazz Centre
A fearless new wave of Durban jazz gets ready to take the stage — bold horns, young energy, and unstoppable rhythm on the menu.
The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music is set to ignite mid‑week magic with The Gatherers, an electrifying young jazz collective led by drummer and bandleader Sbusiso Ncube.
Catch them this Wednesday, 04 March 2026 at 17:30 at the University of KwaZulu‑Natal’s iconic Jazz Centre.
Bringing fire, finesse, and fresh sonic textures, The Gatherers represent the pulse of Durban’s new‑generation jazz movement. Their sound fuses expressive improvisation, tight horn lines, and a contemporary approach shaped by the city’s evolving musical identity.
Individually seasoned yet collectively explosive, the band, is made up of:
• Thembalethu Bhengu – Vocals
• Siyalo Zulu – Trombone
• Zolile Mgqatsa – Double Bass
• Samkelo Njinji – Piano
• Ntokozo Nsibande – Trumpet
• Njabulo Shabalala – Percussion, and,
• Sbusiso Ncube – Drums
They have quickly become one of KwaZulu‑Natal’s most exciting rising talents.
Expect a rich blend of original arrangements and reimagined jazz standards — a performance that honours tradition while pushing boundaries. With a vibrant rhythm section and a powerhouse horn lineup, The Gatherers promise a textured, high‑energy listening experience designed for students, jazz lovers, music heads, and anyone craving the thrill of live performance.
This mid‑week showcase offers a rare chance to witness Durban’s next wave of jazz innovators in a professional concert setting — raw, real, and ready to own the moment.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, 04 March 2026
Time: 17:30
Venue: UKZN Jazz Centre
Presented by: The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music
Enquiries: zamat1@ukzn.ac.za