“The rainbow nation” is the term Archbishop Desmond Tutu coined to describe South Africa. In it, he sought to capture the diversity of the South African landscape. Since the arrival of the first Dutch settlers the country has became a home for a wave of European, Asian and American immigrants. Born into this cultural melting pot, and as a black South African, guitarist Vuma Ian Levin has made it his mission to make sense of these seemingly divergent worlds. To this end his quintet “In Rhythmic Colour” was born. Joined by Jeroen Batterink (Netherlands, Drums) Marco Zenini (Italy, Bass), Lennart Altgenug (Germany, piano) and Bernard Van Rossum (Spain, Saxophones). Since its inception the ensemble has proceeded with a single intention: To fashion a band sound that blends: the drive of the American Jazz greats, the sparseness and melancholy introspective qualities of the European musical tradition, the accessibility of popular music and the sounds of traditional and contemporary South African music. This unique cocktail of influences gives birth to a “thoughtful and dynamic fusion of musical worlds”…
Levin himself has received many accolades during his musical career. They include, being selected for the Standard Bank national youth Jazz band (2009), Being named the most outstanding guitarist at the Tshwane University of Technology (2009), Being accepted to study at the prestigious Conservatorium Van Amsterdam in the Netherlands, winning 2nd place with “in rhythmic colour” at the national final (In the Netherlands) of the prestigious Keep An Eye Awards, winning 3rd place in the international finals of the prestigious Keep An Eye Awards (which included bands from Helsinki, New York, Philadelphia and Vienna), receiving master classes and workshops from; Terrel Stafford, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Ambrose Akinmusire and Peter Bernstein. As well as receiving personal lessons from the great Dutch guitarists Martijn van Iterson and Jesse van Ruller.
During 2013, Levin and “In rhythmic colour” also completed a highly successful and critically acclaimed tour of South Africa playing at top venues including: Tagore’s, The Mahogany room, The Crypt, Afrikan Freedom Station and King Kong. European concert dates have included performances at the top Jazz clubs in the Netherlands including, De Tor, The Bimhuis, Bethany’s Jazz Club, Mile’s jazz café, Café Cox and many more. Finally, Levin has performed with among others, Feya Faku, Nduduzo Makhatini, Herbie Tsoeli, Ayanda Sikade, John Davies, Kevin Davidson, Dan Selsik and many more.