Durban’s vibrant jazz scene takes centre stage this September as the Follow the Blue Note series honours the life and legacy of world-renowned pianist and composer Bheki Mseleku.
The Durban edition, titled Between Two Worlds: Bheki Mseleku and the Cosmic South, will be hosted at The Chairman, the city’s premier jazz venue, on Wednesday, 4 September 2025.
Honouring a Durban-born legend Bheki Mseleku
Born in Lamontville, Durban, Mseleku rose from humble beginnings. He became one of South Africa’s most influential jazz musicians. His career spanned decades and continents.
From playing with groups like Malombo and Spirits Rejoice in Johannesburg, he achieved international acclaim in London. There, he performed and recorded with jazz greats such as Joe Henderson, Abbey Lincoln, Pharoah Sanders, and Elvin Jones.
Despite his years abroad, Mseleku’s roots in Durban remained central to his music. During a return home in the 1990s, he taught at the then Natal Technikon (now Durban University of Technology).
He left an unforgettable impact on students and colleagues alike. His distinctive style merged African heritage, Zulu spirituality, and global jazz traditions into a sound that was at once deeply local and profoundly international.
A night of music and reflection
The Durban performance will feature Spha Mdlalose. He will be joined by Standard Bank Young Artist Award alumni Linda Sikhakhane (2022) and Nduduzo Makhathini (2015).
All of them credit Mseleku’s work as a powerful influence on their artistic journeys. Together, they will explore the layers of his artistry: his ability to blend tradition and modernity, spirituality and technique, the local and the cosmic.
Why Durban, why now?
For Durban, this tribute is especially significant. As Bonga Sebesho, Standard Bank’s Group Head of Sponsorships, explains:
“Bheki Mseleku is a compelling case in point in the sense that his influence and musical ingenuity have yet to be fully grasped. It is even more special to host such a programme in the city of his birth.”
“Bheki Mseleku is a compelling case in point in the sense that his influence and musical ingenuity have yet to be fully grasped. It is even more special to host such a programme in the city of his birth.”
By celebrating Mseleku’s legacy, Follow the Blue Note Durban not only honours one of the city’s greatest musical exports but also highlights the enduring richness of the Durban jazz scene.
Event details:
Venue: The Chairman, Durban
Date: Wednesday, 4 September 2025
Programme: Between Two Worlds: Bheki Mseleku and the Cosmic South
Venue: The Chairman, Durban
Date: Wednesday, 4 September 2025
Programme: Between Two Worlds: Bheki Mseleku and the Cosmic South
About the venue
The Chairman is a unique Durban venue that has been a rich part of the Durban culture for 15 years. It celebrates diversity and the arts.
Known for its mouthwatering selection of gourmet burgers, craft beers, and innovative cocktails, it has become a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
The relaxed vibe, paired with excellent service and a modern industrial décor, makes it an ideal place to unwind with friends or enjoy a casual meal.
Standard Bank Arts
The Standard Bank Arts Initiative in Durban plays a crucial role in fostering creativity and cultural expression in South Africa’s vibrant arts scene. As part of Standard Bank’s broader commitment to supporting the arts, the initiative has helped establish Durban as a significant cultural hub, particularly through its sponsorship of various festivals, exhibitions, and performances.
The initiative actively supports both established and emerging artists, offering them platforms to showcase their work and engage with a wider audience. Through collaborations with local galleries, theatres, and cultural institutions, it contributes to the growth of Durban’s diverse arts community, which reflects the city’s rich history and dynamic, multicultural identity. By nurturing artistic talent and encouraging innovation, the Standard Bank Arts Initiative continues to shape the future of the arts in Durban, contributing to the city’s global cultural footprint.
If you’re a jazz lover in Durban, this is more than just a concert – it’s an opportunity to connect with the city’s cultural heartbeat and celebrate a homegrown legend whose music continues to resonate across the world.
