Kesivan Naidoo

Kesivan Naidoo’s music has been described as  “majestic playing, mind-blowing listening” and “the birth of a new South African jazz sound.” Born in South Africa, he started performing professionally at 14. A child of post-apartheid freedom, he channels liberation into rhythm. His sound is rooted in Jazz, radical invention, dance and deep listening. A drummer, composer, and global performer, Kesivan has shared stages with legends like Joe Lovano, Bheki Mseleku, Dave Liebman, Maria Schneider, Danilo Perez, John Patitucci, and Miriam Makeba. He’s led genre-defying groups like Kesivan & The Lights—whose debut album Instigators of the Revolution was SAMA-nominated. From Carnegie Hall to Cape Town, he continues pushing jazz forward. With a Master’s from Berklee and projects like the Kesivan Naidoo Big Band Experience, he blends tradition and revolution. Started the first Amapiano Big Band. Currently based in Switzerland, he is a proud Zildjian and Vic Firth artist.