Zoe Molelekwa is a pianist and composer who is deeply passionate about the cultural heritage of his home country, South Africa and is committed to the transformative power of music. His compositions and orchestrations are meticulously crafted, each telling a unique narrative. He skillfully fuses modern jazz harmonies with traditional African drumming, showcasing his ability to blend diverse musical styles seamlessly. Molelekwa has received mentorship from a distinguished group of South African pianists, including Themba Mkhize, Afrika Mkhize, and Nduduzo Makhathini. He has performed as a sideman for many celebrated artists, such as Standard Bank Young Artist winners Mandla Mlangeni, Siya Makuzeni, and Nduduzo Makhathini, as well as Professor Salim Washington and The Brother Moves On, among others. He is also a dynamic bandleader in his own right. Recently, he featured on the critically acclaimed jazz compilation album Indaba Is, released by Giles Peterson’s UK-based Brownswood label, alongside the band Iphupho L’ka Biko. Additionally, he contributed to the co-release On Our Own Clock at London’s influential Total Refreshment Centre with Mushroom Half Hour.
He furthered his studies at the Manhattan School of Music on a full scholarship as a Hugh Masekela Heritage Scholarship recipient. He has had the privilege of studying with some music masters, including Buster Williams, Chris Rosenberg, and Dayna Stephens, and privately with Jeremy Manasia, Elio Villafranca, Marc Cary, and Miguel Zenon during his time at MSM, where he graduated in 2024. Molelekwa is pursuing exciting career prospects, with the most thrilling being the release of his debut album, which is set for March 26, 2026.