Biography

Well-known for the singular depth of his soothing baritone voice, Dumza Maswana fuses tradition, spiritually and jazz to create sonic experiences that uplift, inspire and heal. He writes and sings from a place of knowing, reflecting all that he has experienced and paying homage to his culture and the music that inspires him. Born in the vibrant small town of Ngqushwa, in the Eastern Cape, Dumza was drawn to music at an early age, a passion that moved him to form Healing Voices, an all-male gospel group he started at 17 years old, before moving to the City of Gold, Johannesburg, to further his musical interest. Having been influenced by the likes of Victor Ntoni Sibongile Khumalo and Caiphus Semenya, Dumza’s lyrical prowess, wide vocal range and authenticity earned him a SAMA nomination for his debut album, Molo, which was released in 2016. His song The Letter received the award for Best Jazz Song at the 2017 Mzansi Jazz Awards. Dumza’s artistry has landed him on global stages, including those at the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland, and he performed at Sing! Festival in Toronto, Canada. In his live performances, Dumza is known for taking the audience on a journey, inviting them to take part in his enchanting storytelling and soulful melodies. He recently released his first live album, Live At The Guild Theatre. Dumza just finished recording his third album, produced by award-winning and globally-celebrated South African jazz pianist Andile Yenana