Bokani Dyer

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Bokani Dyer is a prominent South African jazz pianist, composer, and producer recognized for his ability to weave multiple musical styles into his compositions. Born on January 21, 1986, in Gaborone, Botswana, he moved to South Africa in 1990, where he grew up in Johannesburg. His father, Steve Dyer, is a renowned musician, and part of Bokani's rich musical upbringing.

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Early Education and Influences

Dyer's musical education began at home under his father's tutelage. He continued his formal education at the University of Cape Town's College of Music where he specialized in Performance and Composition, graduating with distinction in 2008. During his university years, Dyer was involved in various musical projects, including the formation of the experimental electronic music duo Soul Housing Project with vocalist Sakhile Moleshe.

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Career Highlights

Bokani Dyer's career is marked by several key achievements:

  • Release of his debut album "Mirrors" in 2010.
  • Winning the prestigious Standard Bank Young Artist Award in 2011, which led to the release of his second album "Emancipate the Story."
  • His 2015 album "World Music" was nominated for Best Jazz Album at the South African Music Awards.
  • In 2020, Dyer released "Kelenosi," a solo album produced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • His latest album, "Radio Sechaba," was released in May 2023 on Brownswood Recordings.

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Musical Style

Dyer's music seamlessly blends jazz with electronic, R&B, Afro-Latin, and classical music elements. Renowned for his inventive and elegant playing style, his work possesses both vibrancy and a contemplative depth.

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Notable Achievements

Throughout his career, Dyer has earned numerous accolades:

  • Runner-up in the SAMRO Overseas Scholarships competition in 2009, which helped him study with Jason Moran in New York.
  • Winner of the SAMRO Overseas Scholarships competition in 2013.
  • Launched his first European tour with the Bokani Dyer Quintet in 2014, covering countries like Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and cities such as London.
  • Performed at the London Jazz Festival's opening in 2014.
  • Collaborated in the Brownswood compilation "Indaba Is" in 2020.
  • His album "Neo Native" (2019) won Best Jazz Album at the South African Music Awards.

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Discography

Bokani Dyer's discography showcases his evolution as a musician:

  • Mirrors (2010)
  • Emancipate the Story (2011)
  • Oscillations (2013)
  • World Music (2015)
  • Neo Native (2019)
  • Kelenosi (2020)
  • Radio Sechaba (2023)

Dyer also works alongside other artists, including collaborating with his father under the Dyertribe label and producing for artists such as saxophonist Sisonke Xonti for his debut album "Iyonde."

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Bokani Dyer remains a significant influence in the South African jazz scene, celebrated for his musical ingenuity and the ability to fuse different genres into his work, which continues to captivate listeners and connect with the tradition of South African jazz.

Sources

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Bokani Dyer - Biography & Music Career | Holican | Holican