WELCOME TO
Siyakhula Community Music Centre
Empowering Youth Through Music Since 1986 in and around the Durban Metropolitan
Founder
DR BRIAN THUSI’S BIOGRAPHY
Brian Thusi was born in Durban in 1952. He started playing brass instruments at the age of 10, taught by his late father, who was a minister of religion and was based in Port Elizabeth at the time. Brian performed with many local youth brass ensembles. He was introduced to jazz by the late Mr SD Ngcobo, who was the principal of Ohlange High School at the time. He identified jazz talent in him. He played trumpet for the school jazz group. He plays trumpet, flugel horn, trombone, harmonica and sings.
Brian, Khaya Mahlangu, Donald Diaz, Sipho Mvusi Seth Twala and GTX Xaba formed a school jazz band at Ohlange, which became very popular around Durban schools and jazz events.
Brian has performed in the following countries as an artist/producer/manager: Australia, Nigeria, Namibia, Zimbabwe, New Zealand, Botswana, France, Germany, USA, Spain, England, Ghana, Mozambique, United Arab Emirates, Norway, Japan, Jamaica, Bahamas, and Wales.
He performed with KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, Namibia’s National Symphony Orchestra, Haringey Youth Orchestra (London) and North West Chamber Orchestra. He led the Natal University jazz band in Hannover World Expo 2000 Germany.
Brian has recorded and performed with some great artists such as Hotep Galleta, Mbongeni Ngema, Malcolm Braff, Mankunku Ngozi, Darius Brubeck, Victor Ntoni, Lulu Gontsana, Kenny Baron, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Caiphus Semenya, Hugh Masekela, Themba Mkhize, Sandile Shange, Sipho Gumede to mention but a few.
He trained young South African brass musicians for Sydney Olympics 2000, who performed in the official opening of the Olympic Games with 2 000 other young musicians from all over the world.
Brian conducted international music workshops with Haringey (London) Youth Orchestra including South African young musicians and the KZN Youth Orchestra
He co-produced his debut album, which was launched in 2009. In 2010 that recording was nominated for SAMA awards as the best traditional jazz album. He has recorded three albums after that one.
He has had major achievements for his contribution to the South African community. Some of these are:
Winner of Durban Mayor’s Award for community builder in 2001
Winner of National Youth Developer Award of the year – 2003
Winner of Impact to the community Arts (Fools Award) Durban – 2005
Found a Music Centre for the historically disadvantaged youth of Durban and surrounding areas – 1986
Chosen to compose music and conduct the Haringey Youth Orchestra (North London 2000 & 2001) and Oslo Youth Wind Ensemble (Norway (2002)
Umlazi arts organization gave a lifetime musician award – 2014
Acknowledged by BVSM as the lifetime trumpeter – 2015
Produced recordings of international standard for professional musicians and amateurs for demo recordings and commercial purposes.
Brian has the following degrees related to music:
Bachelor of Music, Masters in Music Education and PhD in Arts, Culture and Heritage. He studied at the University of New Mexico, Washington University, University of Pretoria, University of Natal, University of Zululand, Durban University of Technology and North West University (Potchefstroom campus).
Meet Our Patrons
Dr. Andile Khumalo
Dr. Andile Khumalo, born in Umlazi near Durban, is a senior lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he also serves in leadership roles within the Wits School of Arts. He began his musical training at the Siyakhula Community Music Center and pursued advanced studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Columbia University, and the State University of Music and Performing Arts Stuttgart. Khumalo has studied with prominent composers and musicians, including Dr. Brian Thusi and Prof Tristan Murail. His compositions have been featured in prestigious festivals and venues worldwide, such as Festival d'Automne in Paris, Carnegie Hall in New York, and various locations in Europe, North America, and Japan. His works have gained critical acclaim and have been broadcast internationally. Khumalo is a highly performed South African composer in Europe and America and is actively involved in music education, having lectured at several universities across Africa. He continues to be an influential figure in music composition and has been commissioned for numerous international music competitions. Khumalo has also served as a judge for various international music competitions, solidifying his reputation as a key contributor to the global music community.
Linda Sikhakhane
Linda Sikhakhane, a saxophonist, arranger, and composer from Umlazi and KwaNongoma, exemplifies the dynamic evolution of South Africa's jazz scene. He bridges contemporary and traditional influences, drawing inspiration from jazz legends like John Coltrane, Bheki Mseleku, and Winston Mankunku Ngozi. Sikhakhane's musical journey began at the Siyakhula Music Centre and continued with a Diploma in Jazz from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Winning the SAMRO Overseas Scholarship in 2016, he pursued further studies at The New School in New York, mentored by notable jazz figures. Sikhakhane has released three albums and received multiple SAMA and Metro FM award nominations. In 2022, he was named the Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz. He has collaborated with numerous artists, including Nduduzo Makhathini, Sibongile Khumalo, and Gregory Porter, and performed at prominent venues and festivals worldwide, such as the Makhanda Jazz Festival, Lincoln Center, and Ronnie Scott’s. His compositions have been featured in prestigious festivals and venues worldwide, such as Festival d'Automne in Paris, Carnegie Hall in New York, and various locations in Europe, North America, and Japan. His works have gained critical acclaim and have been broadcast internationally.
Mrs. Weziwe Thusi
Mrs. Weziwe Thusi was born in Queenstown in the Eastern Cape. She was married to the late Dr. Brian Thusi. A nurse by profession and worked in hospitals in the Eastern Cape and in KZN, and has served as a public servant for 22 years. She was elected as a member of the KZN Legislature in 2001. In 2006 was appointed as an Mec for Arts, Culture and Tourism until 2009. Between 2009 and 2011 she was appointed as Mec for Arts Culture Sport and Recreation. Between 2011 and 2019 she was appointed as Mec for Social Development, she served in this appointment for two terms. In 2019 she entered into retirement from Provincial Government. She was asked to serve as a Speaker at EThekwini Municipality until November 2021. She is heavily involved in the community, some of the positions she holds are: Secretary Umlazi Health Forum, Deputy Chair of Siyakhula Community Music Centre,Served as Board member of the R K Khan Hospital, A member of the Interdenomination Women’s organisation, A member of The Salvation Army, Convenor of the Progressive Women’s Movement of South Africa (KZN chapter), A member of the ANC and ANC Women’s League, she also served in the Provincial Executive in both Structures
Our Mission
The mission of Siyakhula Community Music Centre is to enhance the quality of life, foster creativity, and instill a sense of self-worth and achievement in historically disadvantaged young people within their communities. We focus particularly on townships and surrounding informal settlements, using music and dance as powerful art forms to achieve these goals.
The Centre is managed by Mr. Khulekani Bhengu, a distinguished music graduate and musician, who has been part of Siyakhula from the beginning, sharing the vision with the late Dr. Thusi.
Our Work
Siyakhula Community Music Centre provides instruction in music theory, utilizing materials approved by esteemed music examination boards such as ABRSM, Trinity, and UNISA. We offer music theory courses from Grade 1 to Grade 5 and practical training from Grade 1 to Grade 8. Our learners receive instruction in a variety of instruments, including brass instruments, piano and keyboards, guitar, bass guitar, and drums, as well as traditional dance.
