South African jazz pianist Andile Yenana returns with a powerful new album blending Xhosa tradition, spiritual reflection, and live jazz mastery.
Bulelwa Hoala
Celebrated South African jazz pianist Andile Yenana is back with a new album titled Way Out Is In, marking his first release in 20 years.
Released under Virgin Music Group South Africa, the album was recorded live during a three-day session at The Bird’s Eye Jazz Club in Basel, Switzerland.
According to Yenana, creating the album was an introspective process.
He explains that he needed time to shed what no longer aligned with him and rediscover his voice through reflection and cultural reconnection.
Described as a journey that moves beyond sound into meditation, the album’s lead single, “Itshoba Lenkomo,” is deeply rooted in tradition.
He reimagines Xhosa folk songs through piano, blending tradition with modern improvisation. The spiritually charged and globally resonant album brings together South African and Norwegian musicians in a seamless cross-cultural collaboration.
Hailing from King William’s Town in the Eastern Cape, Yenana’s career spans more than two decades.
He has been honoured as a Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz and is a SAMA Award winner. He studied at the University of Natal under American jazz pianist Darius Brubeck and has performed with acclaimed South African flautist and saxophonist Zim Ngqawana.
Yenana also co-founded and performed with the iconic South African jazz ensemble, the Voice Jazz Quintet, alongside Marcus Wyatt, Sidney Mnisi, Herbie Tsoaeli, and Morabo Morajele.
Known for blending traditional Xhosa influences with contemporary jazz, Yenana continues to shape South Africa’s jazz narrative through his artistry.
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