JANE MAYNE
The spirit of South Africa’s early jazz pioneers will resound through the Winelands when Kwanti Leeh! takes to the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek’s stage over the weekend of 27–29 March, 2026. Inspired by the legacy of artists such as Bheki Mseleku and Abdullah Ibrahim, the quartet reimagines the classics within a contemporary context.
Comprising Herbie Tsoaeli on contra bass, Andile Yenana on piano, Ayanda Sikade on drums, and Sisonke Xonti on tenor saxophone, the quartet’s award-winning personnel lends much weight to the festival bill. Each player has added value to the ever-evolving jazz scene, and in Kwanti Leeh! their creative synergy sees them speak together with one collective voice.
Notably, Tsoaeli won a SAMA for Best Jazz Album; Xonti snapped up the 2020 Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Jazz; and Andile Yenana snagged the 2005 Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz title.
Book Montreux Franschhoek tickets: Here.
Saxman Xonti best explains what each one brings to the ensemble: “I’d say Herbie is the carpet for us, he’s very steady. He doesn’t do too much, but enough, and just lets us float on top of him. He really carries our ideas in a very solid way. And then Andile, he’s the painter, he’s the free spirit. He’s the one who takes most of the risks and helps us be courageous to go to places that we wouldn’t ordinarily go to. And Ayanda, he’s the engine – he’s the fire, wherever we want to go, he drives us.”
The band will appear on the Jazz Village stage in the NG Church Complex. This is designed for audiences who value proximity and discovery, making it the perfect fit for Kwanti Leeh! “It’s intimate music, so we really appreciate a smaller stage. I think it can get lost when it’s a massive stage. And it’s also at the church, which has very nice acoustics – that’s a plus for us. It’s going to be very improvisational, playing in the moment, reading the room, reading the emotions, and just going with that kind of flow.,” he says.
“We have a goal to reach”
The ensemble was formed in 2025 after the death of trumpeter Feya Faku in June. “We were playing at his funeral in Port Elizabeth, and Herbie, Andile and Ayanda came up with the idea that they should form a band that will pay tribute to those who have left us, as well to those who have played a tremendous role in shaping and growing South African jazz and giving it a voice internationally. I don’t like the word tribute band, but we pay homage to legendary South African musicians who have contributed immensely to the craft.”
Kwanti Leeh translates from isiXhosa to “a place out there” – a metaphysical space where the band’s music lives. “The music is very improvisational, but we have a goal to reach – it’s a place where we don’t know what it is, but there are moments where we can access it – that’s the beauty. I think everyone in life really has a place they want to reach, and it’s just a constant search for that place.”
In terms of repertoire, punters can expect original material balanced with weighty compositions by the legends. These include works by Abdullah Ibrahim, Winston Mankunku Ngozi, Tete Mbambisa, Jonas Gwangwa and Victor Ntoni.
“The creative side will always come”
Commenting on his own songwriting process Xonti says, “when I started out I just kind of let the process flow. I think now that I’ve grown, I’m more intentional. I study a lot of different sounds and play them. And really do a trial-and-error process where I write in a certain style. I force myself to maybe write in a Caribbean or West African style. It’s just a constant study, like every day when you’re playing, you must also try and write something. The creative side will always come. I’ve learned to have the balance of intentional and also creative writing.”
With March looming, the saxman is looking forward to the first instalment of the Montreux Jazz Festival in Africa. He says: “People should just come out and experience it in one of the most scenic places in the world. There’ll be great wine, great vibes, and great music. And for the band, I think it’s our duty on the night to really be in the moment – to take a journey with the audience, and reach a destination which is unknown.”
Read Weekend Special’s Kyle Shepherd interview here.
See all the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek acts here.
Check out the Montreux Franschhoek DJs, vinyl selectors and musical curators here.
What: Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek (MJFSA)
Montreux Franschhoek interview: Sisonke Xonti saxophone
When is the Montreux Franschhoek Festival: 27 – 29 March 2026
Where: Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa
Website: http://www.mjfsa.com/
Instagram: @mjffranschhoek
Facebook: Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek
X (Twitter): @mjffranschhoek
TikTok: @montreuxjazzfestivalsa
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