UJ Arts & Culture, in partnership with Black Major, proudly presents Home at Last: A Tribute to Bheki Mseleku, a landmark jazz performance celebrating the legacy of one of South Africa’s most visionary musical pioneers.

For the first time in his home country, previously unreleased compositions by Mseleku will be performed live, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience his enduring influence on both South African and global jazz.

This exceptional performance brings together two visionary artists: Bokani Dyer, a multi-award-winning pianist, composer, and scholar celebrated for his genre-defying approach to South African jazz, and Gareth Lockrane, an internationally acclaimed flautist and former member of Mseleku’s band, who has dedicated many years to preserving and curating these previously unheard works. Together, they lead a hand-picked ensemble of leading South African musicians, bringing Mseleku’s extraordinary music vividly to life.

Twelve years after their first encounter in London, Dyer and Lockrane now bring this hidden repertoire home, offering audiences a captivating experience where heritage, innovation, and improvisation converge.

Through initiatives such as Home at Last: A Tribute to Bheki Mseleku, UJ Arts & Culture advances the University of Johannesburg’s commitment to artistic excellence and meaningful cultural engagement by celebrating South Africa’s rich musical heritage.

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

Venue: Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre, UJ Arts Centre, Auckland Park

Date: 2 April
Time: 18:00

Book here: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/363573-home-at-last-a-tribute-to-bheki-mseleku-johannesburg/#/

About UJ Arts and Culture

UJ Arts & Culture, a division of the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (FADA) produces and presents world-class student and professional arts programmes aligned to the UJ vision of an international university of choice, anchored in Africa, dynamically shaping the future. A robust range of arts platforms are offered on all four UJ campuses for students, staff, alumni and the general public to experience and engage with emerging and established Pan-African and international artists drawn from the full spectrum of the arts.

In addition to UJ Arts & Culture, FADA (www.uj.ac.za/fada) offers programmes in eight creative disciplines, in Art, Design and Architecture, as well as playing home to the NRF SARChI Chair in South African Art & Visual Culture, and the Visual Identities in Art & Design Research Centre. The Faculty has a strong focus on sustainability and relevance, and engages actively with the dynamism, creativity and diversity of Johannesburg in imagining new approaches to art and design education.

About the Performers

Bokani Dyer
A multi-award-winning pianist, composer, and producer, Bokani Dyer is widely regarded as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary South African jazz. Born in Gaborone, Botswana, and raised in Johannesburg, Dyer studied jazz at the University of Cape Town before establishing a career that bridges jazz, soul, electronic music, and traditional African influences. Known for thoughtful storytelling, rich harmonic language, and a strong connection with audiences locally and internationally, Dyer has released critically acclaimed albums including Emancipate the Story, World Music, Neo Native, Kelenosi, and Radio Sechaba. His trio album Neo Native earned the South African Music Award for Best Jazz Album. Beyond recording, Dyer has performed at major international venues and festivals, bringing a contemporary perspective to South African jazz while honouring the legacy of artists such as Bheki Mseleku.

Gareth Lockrane
Gareth Lockrane is an internationally respected jazz flautist, composer, and arranger from the United Kingdom. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, London, Lockrane has built a reputation for virtuosic technique, expressive sound, and versatility across jazz, contemporary, and orchestral music. He collaborated closely with the legendary South African pianist Bheki Mseleku during the later years of Mseleku’s career, performing in his band and playing a key role in transcribing and preserving many of his compositions. Through performances, collaborations, and continued promotion of Mseleku’s work, Lockrane shares this important musical legacy with audiences worldwide.

Surprise Nkomo
surprisen@uj.ac.za
011 559 1310
UJ Arts & Culture
https://arts.uj.ac.za/whats-on/uj-arts-culture-partners-with-black-major-to-present-home-at-last-a-tribute-to-bheki-mseleku/