Thembi Dunjana prepares to take centre stage at Jazz Festival

THEMBI Dunjana is one of South Africa's most captivating jazz voices. A pianist and composer rooted in the rich musical heritage of Cape Town, she blends traditional African rhythms with contemporary jazz to create a sound that is both soulful and strikingly original.

- SHANNON MANUEL

Thembi’s debut album, Intyatyambo (2020), was a bold two-disc exploration that seamlessly blended neo-soul, Cape jazz, and hard-swinging jazz elements. This ambitious project earned her two Mzansi Jazz Awards in 2021 for Best Female Artist and Best Jazz Song. Building upon this success, she graced stages at prestigious festivals, including the Oslo Jazz Festival and Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York.

In 2025, Thembi released her sophomore album, God Bless iKapa, a heartfelt tribute to Cape Town and South Africa. Thembi is set to perform at the upcoming Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF).

Her performance is anticipated to be a highlight of the festival, showcasing her expressive playing and rich compositions that resonate with both local and international audiences.

GQ: Let's start at the beginning—what first drew you to the piano?

I started out playing the recorder, but what truly drew me to the piano were the lush chords my music teacher played when accompanying me. I was captivated by both the sound and the sight of her hands on the keys. After two years with the recorder, I made the switch to piano.

GQ: Cape Town has a rich jazz heritage. How has the local scene influenced your sound and growth as an artist?