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.
Freedom Dance - feat: Nelson Mandela | Kesivan & The Lights Live at the Baxter Theatre, Cape Town 🇿🇦
The Inception Suite - Hans Zimmer & “Contact” arranged by Kesivan Naidoo Live in Cape Town
Pyramid Song | Radiohead (Cover) — Kesivan and The Lights Live Reimagining
Unforgettable Snoop Dogg Tribute by Kesivan and The Lights Ignites Cape Town!
Eclipse: The Complete Saga – Kesivan and The Lights | Epic Live Jazz Performance (Cape Town)
Mamma’s Secret (Wonka) - Joby Talbot NEW Jazz Standard Cover by Kesivan & The Lights: Live Cape Town
Kesivan and The Lights: "Angola" by Bheki Mseleku Live in Cape Town at the Baxter Theatre
Kesivan and The Lights * Full Concert * at the National Youth Jazz Festival, Makhanda, South Africa
Kesivan & The Lights • Eclipse: Live @NYJF, Makhanda: Miguel Alvarado, Darren English, Kyle Shepherd
Kesivan & The Lights • The Birth by Darren English feat: Miguel Alverado *Live @NYJF, Makhanda*
Kesivan & The Lights • Time with The Masters • Kyle Shepherd • Miguel Alverado: Live* Makhanda @NYJF
Kesivan & The Lights • Imagine Nation & Pledge for Peace by Darren English *Live @NYJF, Makhanda*
Kesivan & The Lights • The Dream Weaver: Live @NYJF, Makhanda: Feat Miguel Alvarado • Darren English
Kesivan Naidoo Big Band Experience: Full Concert Live at the JazzWerkStatt, Bern 2023
Kesivan Naidoo Big Band: Freedom Dance, featuring Nelson Mandela・Live at the JazzWerkstatt・Bern 2023
Kesivan Naidoo Big Band: Time with The Masters・Live at the JazzWerkstatt Bern・Switzerland 2023
Kesivan Naidoo Big Band Experience: Eclipse, The complete Saga: Live at the Jazzwerkstatt, Bern 2023
Kesivan Naidoo Big Band: "Brotherhood" & "The Dream Weaver" Live at the JazzWerkStatt, Bern