Chronicle Editor
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
IN a thought-provoking question and answer session at a recent discussion held at Sabela Studios in Bulawayo, South African saxophonist, composer, and flute player, Steve Dyer urged fellow artistes to exercise caution when incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools into their music production and composing processes.
Dyer was in the country to celebrate his friend, Jazz artiste, Jeys Marabini’s 34 years in the music business over the weekend at the Zimbabwe Academy of Music in Bulawayo. He expressed concerns that while AI can enhance efficiency, it poses a risk of overshadowing the fundamental essence of originality in music.
“AI can be a powerful tool, but we must be wary of letting it dictate our creative choices,” he cautioned.
“Music is an extension of our individuality, and we shouldn’t lose that in the pursuit of convenience.”
This was after a question was posed relating to how he embraces AI technologies in his music production. The musician highlighted the importance of maintaining a personal touch in compositions.
“Relying too heavily on AI could lead to a homogenisation of sound, where everyone’s music starts to sound the same,” Dyer explained.
“We must ensure that our unique voices are not drowned out by algorithms.”
Dyer encouraged local artistes to use AI thoughtfully, integrating it to complement their creativity rather than a replacement.
“Let’s embrace technology, but let’s also prioritise our originality,” he urged, advocating for a balanced approach to music-making.
As a seasoned and long-serving producer who produced many albums, Dyer was the perfect example for young musicians. As the conversation around AI in the arts continues to evolve, Dyer’s call for mindfulness resonates with many in the Springfield music community, encouraging a thoughtful exploration of technology’s role in creative expression.
Anchored by Lady Tshawe and moderated by Saimon Mambazo Phiri, the discussion with local media and creatives on artistes’ identity and art as a business incorporated diverse topics.
Dyer, who’s conversant in English, Afrikaans, IsiZulu, and SeSotho performed in and directed numerous shows, working with artistes Oliver Mtukudzi, Vusi Mahlasela, Ringo Madlingozi, Msaki, Ami Faku, Selmor Mtukudzi, Zamajobe, Ammara Brown, Tamy Moyo, Sjava, Bokani Dyer (his son), Sisonke Xonti, Thandi Ntuli, Siya Makuzeni, Hope Masike, Siphokazi, Judith Sephuma, Mbuso Khoza and many other musicians.
In April 2014, Dyer was the musical director for the opening show at HIFA (Harare International Festival of the Arts). He conceptualised, directed and performed with the first substantive Southern African music collaboration “Mahube” (new dawn in SeSotho) 1997. Mahube toured Southern Africa and Europe and recorded record several albums. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
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