At Vinterjazz 2026, you can look forward to an intense, spiritual, and deeply moving musical experience in Brorsons Kirke. Here, the Aarhus Jazz Orchestra joins forces with one of the most powerful voices on the South African jazz scene: Nduduzo Makhathini. With his unique vocals in his native tongue, isiZulu, and his virtuosic piano playing, he will fill the church’s vaulted space with his prize-winning, hypnotic phrasing.

Notice: The concert is held at Brorson’s Church.

The South African composer, pianist, and singer Nduduzo Makhathini uses his language and musical expression to communicate rituals, spirituality, and reflections on grief and healing. Drawing from his own background as a sangoma, a traditional healer, he uses music as a medium to access other realms of being. Today, Nduduzo Makhathini is regarded as one of the most innovative figures in modern jazz. When he performs with the Aarhus Jazz Orchestra during Vinterjazz 2026, audiences can expect an evening of intensity, spirituality, and profound emotion beneath the arches of Brorsons Kirke.

Nduduzo Makhathini is deeply committed to the traditions and stories of his ancestors. He is an ethnomusicologist, educator, and holds a PhD in music from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Signed to the legendary Blue Note Records, he has released twelve albums under his own name and received numerous awards. Most recently, he was honored as International Live Act of the Year at the German Jazz Prize. Over the course of his career, he has collaborated with artists such as Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Richard Bona, Shabaka Hutchings, and the WDR Big Band.

At Brorsons Church, you can experience him together with one of Europe’s leading big bands, the award-winning Aarhus Jazz Orchestra. Founded in 1977, the orchestra is known for its multifaceted expression and high artistic level. It plays a central role in developing and promoting jazz in Denmark and has received several honors over the years, including at the Danish Music Awards Jazz.

The concert is part of Vinterjazz 2026. Vinterjazz is a nationwide music festival spanning three weeks, presenting around 600 concerts across more than 150 venues and organizers from Skagen to Svaneke. Vinterjazz 2026 takes place from January 30 to February 28. Learn more at www.jazz.dk.

Said about Nduduzo Makhantini:

“In a moment when spiritual jazz has become a dangerously buzzy concept, trust a musician who has truly devoted his life to divination practices.” – The New York Times