Hamilton de Holanda & Nduduzo Makhathini
Nduduzo Makhathini piano, Hamilton de Holanda bandolim.
The Brazilian Hamilton de Holanda and the South African Nduduzo Makhathini live on different sides of the Atlantic, but are connected through the diaspora created during slavery times. These virtuosos were introduced to each other by jazz maestro Wynton Marsalis. Despite the pandemic and thanks to the internet, they developed a suite with obvious Brazilian and South-African roots, influenced by classical music, jazz and hip-hop.
Hamilton de Holanda is one of the most influential players of the bandolim, the mandolin that gives Brazilian music its distinct character. He has earned praise from major Brazilian stars. With his spirited piano playing, Nduduzo Makhathini links jazz and gospel with his zulu roots. Outside of South Africa he’s making name with his Blue Note album Modes of Communication.