Steve Dyer reflects on friendship with Jeys Marabini, late icon

TWENTY years later, renowned South African flutist and jazz composer, Steve Dyer returned to Bulawayo last week, performing at the “Friends of Jeys Marabini in Concert.”

The event, held at the Academy of Music, celebrated jazz legend Jeys Marabini’s impressive 34 years in the music industry.

Zimbabwe has long been home to many of Dyer’s collaborators, including the late Oliver Mtukudzi, George Phiri and Never Mpofu, all who were part of “Mahube” (New Dawn), the first significant Southern African music collaborative project. Conceptualised, directed and performed by Dyer in 1997, Mahube brought together musical giants from across the region. Now, Jeys Marabini has joined the esteemed list of Dyer’s close collaborators.

In an exclusive interview, Dyer shared how he and Marabini first crossed paths.

“Jeys and I met two years ago when he visited my studio in South Africa. We had deep conversations, including the idea of me performing at his concert. We’ve been in touch ever since and it’s been wonderful to be here,” Dyer said.

He expressed his fondness for Bulawayo.

“Bulawayo’s warmth and hospitality remain unchanged. The people are so welcoming, observant and kind. It feels like I never left,” he remarked.

Fondly known as Bra Steve, Dyer expressed his delight in performing in the city, particularly during an impromptu duet with local artiste Thandy Dhlana, which left the audience in awe.

When asked about potential collaborations, Dyer hinted at future projects, saying: “I have songs that need a female vocalist, and I already have someone in mind. We’ll see how things unfold.”

Though no collaboration with Jeys Marabini has happened yet, Dyer remains open to the idea, saying: “We’ll see where the future takes us.”

Reflecting on his close relationship with the late Oliver “Samanyanga” Mtukudzi, Dyer, who settled in Zimbabwe in 1988, reminisced about producing six albums for the music icon between 1998 and 2002, including the seminal Tuku Music.

“Tuku was incredibly disciplined and time-conscious. He was always the first to arrive for rehearsals, never idle and constantly composing. That’s why he left behind such a rich legacy of music,” Dyer said.

Dyer also shared memories of Mahube. The group toured Southern Africa and Europe, recording several albums including, “Music from Southern Africa” (1998) and “Qhubeka” (2003), with the latter winning a Kora award.

With nine albums to his name, Dyer is an accomplished composer who has never experienced writer’s block. His secret? “I find a lot of inspiration from watching television in my spare time,” he shared. He is in the running for his first South African Music Award for Enhlizweni: Song Stories From My Heartland under the “Best Jazz Album” category. — Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu