Draft:Nick Ford (musician)
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Comment: 76% AI generated Theroadislong (talk) 09:22, 25 June 2025 (UTC)
Nick Ford | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Nicholas Ford |
| Born | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, composer, bassist |
| Instrument(s) | Bass guitar, double bass |
| Years active | 2020–present |
| Labels | Self-released |
| Website | www |
Nick Ford is a South African jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader from Cape Town. He is known for his work in the South African jazz scene and his involvement in musical theatre.
Early life and education
[edit]Ford was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, and is the son of pianist Andrew Ford. He began his musical journey playing piano and percussion before settling on the bass guitar and later the double bass.[1]
He was mentored by his high school teacher, Kingsley Buitendag, and later by established Cape Town musicians such as Darren English and Mark Fransman.[2] Ford also cites musicians like Bokani Dyer and Afrika Mkhize as important influences.[2]
Career
[edit]Music Career
[edit]Ford began his professional music career in 2020 with the release of his debut single, "The Verdict."[3] This was followed by his 2021 EP, Trial of the Self, which explored themes of personal growth.[3]
In January 2025, Ford released his debut full-length studio album, Terra Solus. The conceptual album, consisting of eight original compositions, explores themes of time, nature, and humanity's connection to the world.[1] The album features a lineup of prominent Cape Town musicians, including Justin Bellairs on alto saxophone, Jayden Harebottle on tenor saxophone, Dylan Fine on guitar, Brathew van Schalkwyk on piano, and Langa Dubazana on drums.[1]
Ford has performed with his own project, the Nick Ford Project, at various venues, including the Delheim Jazz and Cheese Fondue series.[4][5] He has also shared the stage with notable South African jazz artists such as Afrika Mkhize, Bokani Dyer, Mark Fransman, Linda Sikhakhane, and Ayanda Sikade.[1]
Musical Theatre
[edit]Ford has an active career as a musician in musical theatre. He has performed in the international tour of We Will Rock You (2022/23) in the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, and Tel Aviv, as well as in the South African production of Mamma Mia! (2024). He is also slated to be part of the upcoming South African production of Dear Evan Hansen (2025).[6]
Musical Style and Influences
[edit]Ford's music is rooted in jazz and often incorporates a blend of traditional and contemporary elements. His compositions have been described as exploring conceptual themes and bridging the gaps between artistic media.[6][independent source needed] In an interview with WeekendSpecial, Ford stated that he views South African jazz as "the music that represents the spirit of South African people."[2] He also emphasized his focus on creating music for a "truly listening audience."[2]
Recognition
[edit]Ford's work has gained significant recognition within the South African music industry. In February 2025, Glamour South Africa named him one of "5 South African jazz artists on the rise," praising his "unique approach to sound" and the thematic depth of his debut album, Terra Solus.[7]
His achievements in 2025 were further highlighted by a series of award nominations. He was nominated for Best Jazz Act at the inaugural Urban Music Awards in South Africa.[8] Ford also received five nominations at the 9th Mzantsi Jazz Awards for his album Terra Solus and the single "The Wanderer". The nominations included Best Jazz Album, Best Contemporary Jazz Album, Best Jazz Song, Best Male Jazz Artist, and Best Newcomer in Jazz.[9]
Discography
[edit]Studio Albums
- Terra Solus (2025)
EPs
- Trial of the Self (2021)
Singles
- "The Verdict" (2020)
- "The Yellow Jacket" (2021)
- "Song for T" (2021)
- "State of Emergence" (2022)
- "The Wanderer" (2025)
Awards and Nominations
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Mzantsi Jazz Awards[9] | Best Jazz Song | "The Wanderer" | Nominated |
| Best Jazz Album | Terra Solus | Nominated | ||
| Best Contemporary Jazz Album | Terra Solus | Nominated | ||
| Best Male Jazz Artist | Himself | Nominated | ||
| Best Newcomer in Jazz | Nominated | |||
| Urban Music Awards South Africa[10] | Best Jazz Act | Himself | Nominated |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Jazz Casks & Chords Series 2 – Nick Ford". Showbiz Scope. 2025-01-27. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ a b c d Ford, Nick (2023-07-20). "Interview: Bassist Nick Ford - WeekendSpecial" (Interview). Interviewed by Keanetse Mokhothu. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ a b "Nick Ford Musician - All About Jazz". Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ "Delheim Live Music Sundays a Showcase of Sounds and Fondue". Delheim. 2025-05-16. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ "Young bassist Nick Ford and quartet form part of Delheim jazz series". DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette. 2023-07-21. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ a b "About". Nick Ford. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ "5 South African jazz artists on the rise". Glamour South Africa. 2025-02-06. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ "Urban Music Awards 2025 in SA: All the winners". Music In Africa. 2025-05-06. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ a b "Get Ready to Celebrate! Mzantsi Jazz Awards Unveils Exciting Nominees for 9th Annual Celebration!". MyPressportal. 2025-06-20. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ "URBAN MUSIC AWARDS CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY WITH HISTORIC EXPANSION TO SOUTH AFRICA". Urban Music Awards. 2025-03-10. Retrieved 2025-06-25.