Iphupho L’ka Biko is a jazz-bending, multi-instrumentalist group whose music deeply connects to everyday life, guiding listeners on a journey of learning and living in harmony with their higher calling. The band’s sound, rooted in shared experiences, serves as a love letter to Black culture and identity, resonating with people by reflecting on their lives and the challenges faced in our country. Through their lyrics and sound, the group embodies a form of activism.
In an interview with one of the group’s founders, Nhlanhla Ngqaqu, he emphasized that the group’s success stems from staying true to their core principles, which are reflected in their music.
“We are mere vessels or mediums through which people receive messages,” Ngqaqu said.
“We have a responsibility to conscientize the public. We are shaped by our history and society. When something is placed in our hearts, we pursue it regardless of whether it is fashionable or not. For a group to be successful, you need to have one voice. Never forgetting why you started will always bring you closer to your audience. The growth of the band has been a result of doing the groundwork.”
Iphupho L’ka Biko also hosts Amanzi Sessions, events that champion sobriety and provide a stage for young voices to express themselves through sound, literature, and theatre.
As the 25th International Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival approaches, scheduled for September 27th and 28th, 2024, at the Sandton International Convention Centre, anticipation builds among fans eager to see their favourite bands perform alongside an impressive roster of global talent.
Iphupho L’ka Biko will make its debut on the Mbira Stage, joining celebrated acts such as Chris Botti, Darren English, Keiko Matsui, Lizz Wright, Thandiswa Mazwai, Mi Casa, Maleh, and Fatoumata Diawara.
The Joy of Jazz stage is celebrated as one of the country’s premier jazz platforms, known not only for its scale but also for its commitment to showcasing emerging bands to a diverse, multicultural audience. The festival, spanning two days, will feature four main stages—Dinaledi, Diphala, Conga, and Mbira—and present over 45 local and international acts, offering a platform for a host of jazz luminaries to captivate an eager international audience.
