Steve Dyer- Electronic Press Kit

“Steve Dyer… is a visionary, a pioneer and a symbol of a new Africa.”

- Vasco Zama Ndebele, Cue magazine

Steve Dyer believes that no single culture owns the monopoly on human wisdom.  Every human life born into whatever culture, ethnicity or spiritual belief system has the same value.

Steve was born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa in 1960. His parents listened consistently to music of the Western classical masters. He also remembers maskandi musicians walking the streets as they played their guitars, and the Soul Brothers and “kwela” playing on the radio. He began composing music at the age of 10. An all-rounded conceptual artist, he is a significant figure in South African music scene, contributing to its growth, both domestically and abroad.

He completed a B Mus degree in performance at the University of Natal in 1981, majoring in saxophone and flute. Refusing military conscription into the SADF Steve left South Africa and lived in Botswana for 5 years. Here he came into contact with the exile sounds blowing through the horns of Hugh Masekela and Jonas Gwangwa. He helped form “Shakawe” led by Jonas Gwangwa and played in the band for 3 years. In 1988 after a stint in the U.K. he settled in Zimbabwe where after releasing his debut album Southern Freeway (1989) he formed a group with that same name. “Indlela yenkululeko” was released in 1992. In 1990 he joined the Amandla cultural ensemble of the ANC on a 7 week tour of Japan.

With democracy on the horizon in 1993 Steve returned to South Africa. Steve has released 10 albums under his name, including the critically acclaimed “Genesis of a Different World” released in 2019, and the award-winning “Enhlizweni - song stories from my heartland” (Ropeadope / AfricArise 2024). He conceptualised the Southern African music “supergroup” Mahube that has been an ongoing touring collaboration since 1997. Steve has also composed “Rebirth” - a concerto for soprano saxophone, string quartets, music for saxophone and marimbas and more. Steve also has extensive producing experience including 6 albums for Oliver Mtukudzi (1998-2002) including the seminal Tuku music, as well as directing large and small scale concerts on the African continent and abroad. He continues to work on unique projects that reflect the current times, trace historical elements and tradition within the modernity. His most recent project “Visions of Ubuntu” - Lincoln Center at Damrosh Park, New York in June 2024 - featured an 8-piece band, guest vocalist Motswedi Modiba, and a 50-strong Young People’s Chorus of New York City.