UJ to host tribute concert honouring jazz legend Bheki Mseleku

The event marks the first public presentation in South Africa of previously unreleased compositions by Mseleku, offering audiences an unprecedented opportunity to experience his enduring influence on both local and international jazz.

The concert brings together multi-award-winning South African pianist and composer Bokani Dyer and internationally acclaimed flautist Gareth Lockrane, a former member of Mseleku’s band. The duo will lead a carefully selected ensemble of South African musicians to bring Mseleku’s music to life, blending heritage, innovation, and improvisation.

“Twelve years after our first encounter in London, Gareth and I are bringing this hidden repertoire home,” Dyer said. “It’s a chance to honour Bheki’s vision and share his work with audiences who may not have experienced it before.”

Lockrane, who has dedicated years to transcribing and curating Mseleku’s compositions, added that the performance aims to preserve and celebrate the late pianist’s musical legacy.

“By connecting artists, audiences, and communities through the power of music, the programme underscores the importance of cultural preservation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing,” UJ head of Arts & Culture Pieter Jacobs said. “It contributes meaningfully to Sustainable Development Goals by safeguarding cultural heritage through artistic learning and public engagement, and by fostering collaboration between artists, institutions, and cultural organisations.”

The tribute concert is part of UJ Arts & Culture’s ongoing mission to celebrate South Africa’s musical heritage and foster meaningful engagement between artists and communities. Through initiatives like Home at Last, the University of Johannesburg continues to position itself as a hub for artistic excellence and cultural exchange.