Cape Town born Kyle Shepherd is regarded as one of South Africa’s most accomplished jazz pianists, composers and band leaders. Shepherd has performed at concerts and festivals in South Africa and abroad with some of South Africa’s greatest musicians, including the likes of Zim Ngqawana, Louis Moholo, McCoy Mrubata, Hilton Schilder, Errol Dyers and Robbie Jansen. Shepherd draws his musical influences from the traditional rhythms, melodies and harmonies of Cape Town as well as jazz music: “My music is a direct representation of my traditions and the lineage of artists that came before me, and I am merely a portrait of their mastery.” At the 2010 South African Music Awards, Shepherd received two nominations for Best Traditional Jazz Album for his debut album fineART including that of Best Newcomer.