Makhathini also wrote and produced most songs on Thandiswa Mazwai's Belede album, which won the Afrima Award for Best Female Southern Africa.He is quick to point out that he hasn't abandoned jazz, and their project with Black Coffee isn't dance or jazz but purely music.

"If you look at the concept of the Music Is King project, the idea was that the genre comes secondary, so music is king. Just like Maphumulo, even though he's into dance music, his music has Mam' Busi Mhlongo, Mabi Thobejane, and Hugh Masekela," said Makhathini.

The Music is King show at the Dome was a sold-out affair for the 20,000-capacity venue. Makhathini is humbled by it all and says that he knows that many people in attendance came for dance music, but he's sure that there were others who went back home as jazz lovers.

So what drives his choice of artists he works with?

The pianist and composer said excellence guides him.

"The whole understanding of excellence is key. Maphumulo is an excellent producer. He's a genius."

At the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Makhathini said people shouldn't expect dance music or jazz, but music.

Even though collaborations have opened many doors for him, he is adamant that he still remains loyal to jazz.

On his other life as a spiritual healer and which artists inspire him, Makhathini said he's always been inspired by artists like Philip Tabane of Malombo, Bheki Mseleku, Zim Ngqawana and Busi Mhlongo.

"Mam' Busi Mhlongo was a sangoma, by the way. It goes back to my grandmother too, uMaMadlala, who was umthandazi (a faith healer). My mom is a musician and has an album out," said Makhathini, whose wife Omagugu is also a singer and has worked with him on many projects, including the seven albums under his belt.

Makhathini said music as a gift goes hand in hand with his calling as a healer.

"It's always my wish that in my performances that people have an awakening. What we will see in Cape Town won't be dance or jazz, but there will be people on the dancefloor."

The rest of the CTIJF line-up includes, Lira, Thandiswa Mazwai, Masego, Incognito, Linda Sikhakhane, Benjamin Jeptha with Kunjenga, Victor Masondo with Bheki Khoza and Thembi, Ari Lennox and Nomfundo Xaluva, to name a few, and the recent inclusion of Kandace Springs, TKZee, Ritmo, and Thembi Dunjana.

Next week, the final four artists will be unveiled - the last puzzle pieces to complete this year’s groundbreaking festival.

For more information, visit www.capetowninternationaljazzfest.com, download the app and follow: @officialcapetownjazzfestival.

SUNDAY TRIBINE