Bokani Dyer, alongside acclaimed flautist Gareth Lockrane, will present a heartfelt tribute to the late Bheki Mseleku at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival.
A towering figure in the legacy of South African jazz, Bheki Mseleku left behind a profound musical archive. Lockrane, who was a key member of Mseleku’s UK-based ensemble prior to his passing in 2008, also served as band co-ordinator, meticulously notating the compositions performed by the group. At the time of Mseleku’s death, Lockrane had assembled an extensive collection of unrecorded works. For the first time, these compositions will now be brought to life on stage.
The tribute will feature a handpicked ensemble of exceptional South African musicians, carefully selected to honour the depth and spirit of Mseleku’s music. Multi-award-winning pianist and composer Bokani Dyer has long engaged with Mseleku’s recorded works, studying and performing his compositions. This tribute marks a significant new chapter in the continued celebration of Bhekumuzi Hyacinth Mseleku’s enduring sonic legacy.
Presented at one of the world’s most revered jazz platforms, the performance promises to be both a celebration and a moment of restoration — returning unheard works to the stage with reverence and renewed energy.
