'A nomad in the universe': 5 minutes with jazz musician Mpumi Dhlamini

Jazz musician Mpumi Dhlamini will perform at the Umanyano Lwe Jazz — 100 years of Sobukwe festival on December 7 and 8 at Villa Simone in Johannesburg.

The Metro FM and Sama nominee is scheduled to perform alongside artists such as Mbuso Khoza, Nduduzo Makhathini, Soul Brothers and Leomile.

Dhlamini told TshisaLIVE he is excited to share the news of his fourth studio album, Nebula Nomad.

“I'm excited to perform again with the jazz heavyweights. My album marks a new chapter in my artistic journey, blending my signature eclectic soundscapes with deep, introspective melodies and innovative compositions that challenge genre boundaries,” he said.

The album explores themes of inner reflection and cosmic wonder, drawing listeners into a world of experimental jazz, electronica and Afro-futuristic rhythms. Each track tells its own story, weaving together sonic elements that reflect Mpumi's diverse influences from across the musical spectrum.

Some of the standout tracks on the album include A Dream (Song for Dad), a mesmerising blend of ethereal vocals and pulsating beats that transport listeners to distant galaxies; The Water Bearer, a hauntingly beautiful composition that weaves together intricate layers of sound, evoking a sense of cosmic introspection, and Spirits in Dance, which creates a dynamic and infectious groove that is impossible to resist.

“This album is an ode to the idea of being a nomad in the universe — constantly moving, searching and evolving, It’s about the journey rather than the destination, and the limitless possibilities of sound and space,” he said.

“While working on this project, I was intentional in creating a musical journey like no other which would take music lovers on a captivating exploration through its cosmic soundscape.”