Jazz Pianist Mashiloane gives away 60 original compositions in free digital book

For years, much of Dr Sibusiso “Mash” Mashiloane's music existed in performances, recordings and the memories of those who heard it.

Now, 60 of his original compositions have been brought together in a book that he hopes will allow a new generation of musicians to learn, perform and carry the music forward.

The award-winning pianist, composer and scholar has released Sounds of Home: Compositions Book One, a free digital collection featuring notated versions of his original works.

The book, the first in a planned series, traces Mashiloane's musical journey from his early compositions to works connected to his acclaimed ISIGQI project.

Each piece is accompanied by programme notes offering insight into the people, places and experiences that inspired the music.

The collection includes tributes to family and mentors, reflections on township life and explorations of South African identity. At its centre is the concept of isigqi — the organising pulse that has become central to Mashiloane's musical and academic work.

“This music has always lived in performance and in memory. I wanted it to also live on the page, where other musicians could pick it up, learn from it, and carry it forward,” Mashiloane said.

“That is why the book is free. The music was shaped by community, and it belongs back with that community.”

Mashiloane, who holds a PhD in Music from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, lectures at the institution's Centre for Jazz and Popular Music.

He has released eight albums and has performed and recorded in South Africa and abroad. His most recent release, Isigqi: Live at the bird's eye, was recorded in Basel with Swiss musicians.

In 2024, he composed the ISIGQI Suite for Carnegie Hall's National Youth Jazz Orchestra.

His contribution to music has earned him recognition including a NIHSS Award, an AFRIMA Award and several Mzantsi Jazz Awards.

The book was edited by renowned jazz writer Gwen Ansell, while several South African creatives contributed to its music formatting, design and production.

It also features a foreword by pianist and scholar Neil Gonsalves, Mashiloane's former lecturer, and an afterword by acclaimed pianist Darius Brubeck, who played a key role in establishing the first Jazz Studies degree programme in Africa at what is now the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

With the release of Sounds of Home, Mashiloane is doing more than publishing sheet music. He is preserving stories, memories and a distinctly South African musical language — and making it accessible to anyone willing to listen, learn and play.