Thandanani Gumede

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-soulmusic—always rooted in rhythm, spirituality and story. 

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.  

I am a composer, vocalist, and a multidisciplinary artist of Xhosa and Zulu heritage, originally from South Africa, and my name is Thandanani Gumede, although most people call me Thanda (pronounced ‘Tanda’)—a Zulu name that means Love One Another. 

 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 cellists Abel Selaocoe and (x19 time Grammy award winner) Yo-Yo Ma, in London. I also work very closely with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra in London in my capacity as a vocal tutor, arranger and performer. 

Locally, Leeds and Manchester have become a creative home for me where I was a contributing author to Books Without Borders through the University of Leeds (commissioned by the Arts and Humanities Research Council). I am an Opera North Pilot BAME Resonance Alumnus, Jazz North Northern Line Alumnus, and Manchester Jazz Festival Hothouse Alumnus, and a Manchester Jazz Level Up alumnus where I now serve as a Board member.  

Buxton International Festival commissioned me to compose the first ever African short opera in Europe, with the libretto by Zodwa Nyoni; I cross pollinated Classical music with jazz, gospel and African Traditional genre amalgamates. 

Radio and TV features include SKY 1, BBC Radio & BBC TV, SABC,  ITV and Channel 5 with international exhibitions across the globe including Australia, Germany, Poland, South Africa and Thailand.