Johannesburg, South Africa – At the tender age of four, Nayima Ndlovu’s affinity for music was unmistakable, and her path was clear as she hailed from a musical family. However, her journey isn’t typical, for she follows in the illustrious footsteps of legendary trumpeter Louis Armstrong, a source of profound inspiration.
Nayima’s musical odyssey commenced when she picked up the brass instrument at an early age. The trumpet, adorned with three valves to produce distinct notes when delicately blown into, became her chosen voice.
South Africa has produced notable trumpeters throughout history, such as Hugh Masekela, Alex van Heerden, Mongezi Feza, Clause Deppa, and Mandla Mlangeni. In this rich musical tapestry, Nayima is emerging as a bright star.
Eyewitness News had the privilege of speaking with 11-year-old sensation Nayima Ndlovu and her mother, Dr. Lezanne Ndlovu.
Nayima shares her passion for the trumpet and her musical influences, saying, “My favorite trumpeter is Louis Armstrong, one of the world’s greatest jazz artists. I’ve also recently started listening to a female English trumpeter, Ms. Alison Balsom. They play an instrumental part in how I want to grow as a future successful trumpet player.”
Her mother, Dr. Ndlovu, notes that the trumpet has been transformative for her daughter, instilling confidence and a sense of purpose: “There is a real freedom when I play and perform in front of a crowd. This is also for me as well as the listener. I chose the trumpet as my voice because my own voice doesn’t measure up to the sound I create through the trumpet.”
The 11-year-old talent participated in the 2023 Hubert van der Spuy National Music competition, a unique platform in South Africa that allows children aged 13 and under to showcase their musical prowess on a national stage.
Nayima shares her deep connection with the trumpet, saying, “The sound of the trumpet is majestic, virtuosic, jazzy, mournful, and a celebration. It allows me to express myself in different ways, whether I’m happy or sad. When my mother played a piece by Louis Armstrong, I knew that the trumpet was for me.”
Nayima recently graced the stage at the Combined Choir Festival alongside Richard Cock in Johannesburg, delivering a captivating two-day solo performance. The festival unites junior school choirs from eight schools across Johannesburg, led by conductor Richard Cock.
Beyond her accomplishments, Nayima stands as one of the 20 junior achievers at the National Eisteddfod of South Africa 2023 and holds the distinction of being the youngest member of the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra.
Her mother, Dr. Ndlovu, reflects on Nayima’s early exposure to music, saying, “From the tender age of four years old, Nayima showed interest in music. She has been surrounded by musicians all her life. Her brother, Manqoba, plays the trombone, her uncle Paul is a professional French hornist, and all her cousins from Wupperthal play musical instruments. The Moravian Church brass band also sparked her interest in brass instruments.”
Nayima’s love for music knows no bounds. She is drawn to the soulful melodies of jazz and swing while also embracing the joy of performing classical pieces. This multi-talented young artist juggles her musical pursuits with her academic commitments, revealing, “It’s challenging. I work extremely hard and try to do most of my homework on Mondays so that I have time to prepare and attend orchestra rehearsals the rest of the week. My weeks are very busy for an 11-year-old.”
In terms of safeguarding her child’s mental health, Dr. Ndlovu emphasizes the importance of a supportive partnership with Nayima’s teacher, Philip Cox, who brings over twenty years of experience as a musician and parent. This collaboration is a nurturing environment that focuses on pleasure, enjoyment, and the preservation of Nayima’s talent. Dr. Ndlovu emphasizes that “perfection will result as a consequence of staying true to our intentions.”
Philip Cox, an accomplished trumpet player, brings extensive experience to Nayima’s education and development. The partnership between parents, teacher, and student ensures that the young musician’s journey is guided by passion, rather than excessive pressure to perform flawlessly.
In a world where musical talent continues to flourish, Nayima Ndlovu stands as a shining example of a young artist committed to expressing herself through the enchanting melodies of the trumpet, making music her guiding light.
