“His music is known for its ritualistic feel—fusing rich melodies and rhythms with traditional jazz forms and contemporary harmonics.”
A jazz pianist from Mamelodi Township in Pretoria, Tshwale began playing piano in his early twenties. What makes his story remarkable is that you won’t know that he started “late”(Whatever that is), until he mentions it.
The Artistic Vision
Tshwale draws inspiration from a wide range of artistic mediums, including abstract visual art and African literature. His music is also deeply rooted in his African ethnic spirituality, which sharpens his artistic vision and enhances the conceptual depth of his approach to song.
This spiritual grounding is not a decorative afterthought—it is the foundation. His music carries a ritualistic feel, fusing rich melodies and rhythms with traditional Jazz forms and contemporary harmonics. When he plays, it is not just a performance; it is an offering.
The Collaborations
Before leading his own band, Tshwale worked with several distinguished South African musicians, gaining extensive experience in both live performance and studio recording:
| Artist | Role | Period |
| Linda Kekana | SAMA Award-winning artist | 2016–2017 |
| Moss Mogale | South African Jazz guitarist | 2016–2017 |
| Jesse Mogale | South Africam Jazz bassist | 2016–2018 |
| Thabang Tabane | South African percussionist and son of Malombo legend Dr. Phillip Tabane | 2018–2025 |
These collaborations placed him in the company of some of South Africa’s finest musicians, shaping his approach to performance and composition. Working with Thabang Tabane, in particular, connected him to the Malombo tradition—the spiritual jazz sound pioneered by Tabane’s father, Dr. Phillip Tabane.
The Educator
Tshwale has also dedicated time to teaching, further enriching his musicianship and influence:
| Role | Institution | Period |
| Piano Instructor | Committed Artists for Cultural Advancement (CAFCA) | Jan 2016 – Dec 2018 |
| Performance Art & Piano Teacher | Puo Media | Jan 2020 – Dec 2021 |
| Freelance Music Teacher | Tshwane Institute of the Arts | Jan 2022 – present |
His commitment to education reflects a belief that music is not just to be performed, but passed on.
The Bandleader: Azania Ritual Kollectiv
As founder and bandleader of the Azania Ritual Kollectiv, Tshwale has spearheaded several live performances, emphasising the spiritual and cultural dimensions of Jazz music. From notable American standards to South African meditations.
In the band, he is usually accompanied by the brothers, Thebe Mmushi on double bass, Bongani Dube on drums and Velaphi Maphosa on saxophone. My first experience of them, was when they had a residency at Kwantu Village a few years back. They played mnumzane Zim Nqawana’s Qula Kwedini, lacing it with poetry from the poet Xitha Magketha.
The Kollectiv has featured in notable events, including:
- Urban Ethnicity – Celebrating cultural diversity in urban spaces (July 2021)
- Sankofa Jazz & Journaling Sessions with Azania Ritual Kollectiv
- Ditiragalo Tsa Mmino hosted by Botaki Ba Afrika (Nov 2022)
The New Work: Khalambazo Algorhythm
Currently, Tshwale is producing a body of work and ensemble titled Khalambazo Algorhythm. “…an African music ensemble that will explore the connections between ancient African music structures and modern jazz music.”
He is exploring this concept with musicians including sisi Luyandusapho on vocals, the brothers Agbodohu William on vocals and percussion, Velaphi Maphosa on saxophone, Osami on drums, and Thebe Mmushi on double bass.