Last year, Bokani released his critically acclaimed fourth studio album, Radio Sechaba, which received positive reviews.
No matter how old you are, you will always be seen as a child in the eyes of your parents. Pianist Bokani Dyer recently shared the stage with his father, music legend Steve, and Bokani expressed his gratitude for the respect his father has for him as an artist.
“Of course he's my father, but he always respected me as an artist and gave me space to do my work. That he tried to overshadow me in some way. “I think that's a reflection of who he is,” Bokani said. citizen.
Born in Gaborone, Botswana and raised in South Africa, Bokani is a 38-year-old renowned jazz musician and producer.
Steve is an unrivaled veteran who plays the flute and guitar.
He fled to Botswana during apartheid to avoid war, but returned to Mzansi in the early 1990s.
Steve has collaborated with numerous collaborators including Oliver Mtukudzi, Msaki and Vusi Mahlasela.
Father and son shared the stage in New York while Bokani attended the Unity Jazz Festival at Lincoln Center.
“It was amazing; it's always good to share the stage with him. It's reflected in the music we play. Also, there's a lot of history in New York, so it's always good to share the stage with him.” It’s a great thing to do,” Bokani asserted.
This wasn't the first time the two shared the stage. In 2016, when live music venue The Orbit was still open, the two hosted a show called Dyer-logue.
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“Radio Sechaba”
Bokani, who recently celebrated his birthday, performed his critically acclaimed work. radio sechaba At Unity Jazz Festival.
radio sechaba “'' is Bokani's fourth studio album, released last year. When asked how long it took him to put together the 14-track album, he answered, “Four years.”
“There was a big thought process. I thought a lot about how I looked at music and not just entertainment. It was also thinking about what I was going through as a human being,” Bokani asserted.
It took about two years in the studio to actually record the album.
This album is one of the most satisfying works to come out of South Africa in recent years, offering an experience that goes beyond just a jazz album. Bokani said he was fascinated by radio, which was the inspiration for the title.
“I've always been fascinated by the idea of getting in a car, turning on the radio, and having a stranger direct the experience,” he said.
He also wanted something that would appeal to a sense of community and empower people. “Sechaba means nation,” he said.
lyrics such as ho tra loka and Tiya Moi It's encouraging and uplifting without sounding pious.
The songs also contain political overtones. Mogaesho and victim of circumstance.meanwhile Ke Nako Given how it expresses Mandela's vision for the United Nations, it would not look out of place in the Springboks' dressing room.
“It's great to make something this personal and have people say, 'Hey, you spoke to me with this.' I always try to be honest with my music, but It's great when it brings meaning to someone else's life.”
Bokani is one of South Africa's contemporary musicians making serious music that succinctly speaks to our times. Malcolm Jiyane, The Brother Moves On, Thandi Ntuli and Mandisi Diantis are just a few of the musos who create impactful art. .
“There is no doubt that we are in a special time,” Bokani admits.
His father is also impressed with the talent currently active. “He is very impressed with South African artists. At least in the art world, he says, you can see the results of the sacrifices they made back then.”
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