Nkululeko Zungu is a graduate candidate of the University of Georgia where his studies focus on contemporary writing styles in composition. He has found pleasure in exploring music from traditional Classical to modern Electronic and can be heard writing with the frame of mind of his self-quoted phrase, "Let me not, no, just add to the noise. Let me harmonize to the silence.". He has collaborated with groundbreaking composers like Kate Soper, and Dr. Ken Ueno; this has seen contemporary ensembles like the Wet Ink ensemble perform his music. He has also performed in modern performance spaces like the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery’s Dome Theatre. He has been described as “…an artist who creates art from within combing all aspects of his life” by South Africa’s most performed Classical music composer, Dr. Hendrik Hofmeyr. Nkululeko prides himself in being a well-rounded composer.
South African-born composer, Nkululeko Zungu, is a black composer whose passion for music started in Cape Town, South Africa where many styles and genres of music surrounded him. His own expression is influenced by soundscapes and introspective art that can be found in music exploring Avant-Pop, Trip-Hop, Electronic Music, and Spiritual styles. He achieved his Bachelor of Music in Composition at the University of Cape Town, studying under the tutelage of Dr. Hendrik Hofmeyr. To broaden his mind, he participated in a study abroad program at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he continued his studies in composition and orchestration, under the guidance of David Lefkowitz, and Ian Krouse. During this time, he also began his songwriting journey with Alan Elliott.He furthered his studies in composition at the University of Northern Colorado (UNCO), studying under the tutelage of Dr. Paul Elwood. During this time, he involved himself in the new music ensemble, the UNCOmmon Ensemble, led by Dr. Anne Lanzilotti. A highlight for him in working with the ensemble was the opportunity to perform and workshop Dr. Ken Ueno's works at the Tank Studios in Rangely, Colorado. His interactions with Dr. Ueno's music taught him that contemporary writing techniques will challenge traditional standards and perceptions of music. This encouraged him to embrace new and unconventional ways of expression even more. In addition to working with Dr. Ueno, he has worked with renowned composers and performers. Namely, Kate Soper, Ellen Fullman, and the Wet Ink Ensemble, who performed his work, ",meditation on tessitura" at the UNCO Open Space Festival, in 2019.He continues to write in contemporary styles, spanning the wonderful spectrum from classical new music to commercial pop. He enjoys writing in various styles, or as he says, "in whatever expression best suits what is being said". His music has graced stages around the world from museums in Colorado to historical buildings in Cape Town. He has been described as an artist who creates art from within combining all music aspects from his life. Nkululeko is now completing his doctoral degree at the University of Georgia where he can be heard writing in the frame of mind that supports his self-quoted phrase,
"Let me not, no, just add to the noise. Let me harmonize to the silence."
If you'd like to HARMONIZE Together, feel free to CONNECT with me