By Ella Bosman
As spring has arrived in Stellenbosch, it seems fitting that it should be ushered in by the tune of African jazz. On Friday, 10 October, the Stellenbosch Conservatory spilled over with the enchanting melodies of Bheki Khoza’s guitar.
The event was a part of a broader series hosted by SU Interventions. The series is described as a student-led project that uses sound and music to effect change. This particular iteration is titled SoniXploration: A Journey into Sound which allowed attendees to engage in an immersive listening experience and sparked conversation about the music and its broader impact whilst enjoying a glass of wine.
Many students may not be familiar with Khoza’s music, but he is a true legend within his community. His music gained popularity due to his unique left-handed playing style. He described his performance narrative as looking into the crowd and saying, “These people need to hear this music.”
He is a pioneering African jazz musician and learnt his craft in the United States of America where he was taught by Jackie McLean. He would then go on to perform globally and gain recognition for his blending of distinctly African styles within the evolving jazz sphere.
Khoza’s music can be described as a bridge between jazz, soul and African folk. It is warm, fluid and deeply intentional. He shared the stories of his life vividly through his melodies and engaged the audience in a unique way.
He says that “guitar is not in the fingers, but in the head” and was taught that “you will play when it comes to your ear”. This sentiment is echoed through his soulful work. His music is gentle and unassuming, yet is deeply emotionally resonant. It carries memory and spirituality masterfully in its beats.
If you like jazz at all, or even if you just like a relaxing beat, Khoza may just become one of your new playlist repeats.
