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This rising star on the South African scene and international stage merges modernistic language with traditional streams with this malleable trio, creating a unique signature that’s both indebted to his homeland’s history and free of clichés. –Dan Bilavsky, All About Jazz
Bokani Dyer is an acclaimed pianist, composer, and bandleader and has stood as one of the most formidable and creative talents in South Africa. In the exploration of the musical tradition, and the music’s present role in culture and society, he has been a significant force of his generation asking and diving deeply into the complex question of identity in South Africa. Award-winning composer, hailed as the future of South African Jazz when he won the prestigious Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year right at the outset of his career in 2011, keeps garnering accolades worldwide. His trio album Neo Native won the SAMA award for best jazz album in 2019. That year, he was also invited to perform at London’s legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club as part of the Piano Trio Festival.
In his musical endeavours, he finds new and innovative means to embrace traditions as examples to guide and build a more equitable and empathetic future. His unique piano-playing style expresses that notion, while in his musical concepts he embraces the contemporary musical world in a highly creative way. His most recent recorded offering is Radio Sechaba (Brownswood, 2023), in which he merges many of his musical influences, and it showcases his exploration of vocal and lyrical expression.
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In spring 2025 Bokani is bringing his music to the American audiences in a classic trio setting – expect the unexpected, infectious rhythms, melodic explorations hailing back to the rich and various African traditions, groove, and virtuosic, innovative piano playing.
