Bokani Dyer

Bokani Dyer is a multi-award-winning jazz artist celebrated for his innovative sound and compelling compositions. Born in Gaborone, Botswana, during his father Steve Dyer’s exile from apartheid South Africa, he grew up in Johannesburg and graduated with distinction in jazz studies from the University of Cape Town. With six albums to his name, Dyer’s work seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary jazz. His latest release, Radio Sechaba (2023), was released through Gilles Peterson's Brownswood Recordings and explores themes of identity and unity. This follows critically acclaimed projects like Neo Native, which won a South African Music Award for Best Jazz Album. Dyer’s music has taken him to prestigious stages worldwide, including the North Sea Jazz Festival, Ronnie Scott’s, and most recently, the London Jazz Festival. A versatile collaborator, he has worked with jazz greats like Feya Faku and Shabaka Hutchings while also venturing into electronic music with his Soul Housing Project. He now enters a new chapter with Thembisa, the first single from his forthcoming album Bokani Dyer Trio -Traditions, exploring African musical heritage through a contemporary jazz lens. Whether composing for film, performing internationally, or engaging in thoughtful discussions on art’s societal impact through his In Conversation With... series, Bokani Dyer continues to redefine and expand the boundaries of jazz.