MUSICIANS/ARTISTS
Renowned Jazz Pianist
Melvin Peters
Melvin Peters is an internationlly acclaimed jazz pianist, composer, and educator from South Africa, known for his extensive contributions to jazz performance and education. He began his musical journey with classical piano at six and later studied jazz under Darius Brubeck while earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music. Over his impressive career, he has performed internationally with jazz legends, including Herb Ellis and Abdullah Ibrahim, and collaborated with top South African musicians. Peters has held teaching positions at the University of Durban-Westville and currently serves as a jazz examiner at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the University of South Africa. As the organist and choirmaster at St. Paul’s Church in Durban for two decades, he has also received multiple awards for his contributions to music, including the Living Legends Award in 2010. His continued involvement in the global jazz scene includes recent performances in Germany and Spain, further establishing him as a prominent figure in contemporary jazz.
Legendary African Jazz Guitarist
Madala Kunene
Madala Kunene, affectionately known as Bafo, is a legendary musician and cultural ambassador born in 1949 in Cato Manor, Durban. His musical journey began at age seven, crafting makeshift guitars and performing on the beaches of Durban. Despite challenges such as forced removals to KwaMashu, Kunene’s passion for music flourished, earning him recognition alongside South African luminaries like Doc Mthalane and Busi Mhlongo. With a career spanning decades, he gained international acclaim with his debut album in 1990 and notable collaborations, bridging African sounds with global music. Kunene's work transcends entertainment, embodying a shamanistic essence rooted in Zulu culture and tradition, which recently earned him an honorary Doctor of Music degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Honored by the South African Department of Arts and Culture and awarded the Gold Order of Ikhamanga in 2024, Kunene continues to inspire generations of artists and music lovers worldwide with his authentic sound and rich cultural heritage.
