Bokani Dyer.
Represent had the opportunity to interview Jazz pianist Bokani Dyer, the 2011 Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner for Jazz and recently the winner of a SAMRO Overseas Scholarship. Read our interview with the maestro after the jump.
Hi Bokani, firstly congratulations on your scholarship win from the SAMRO foundation. Please give us a synopsis of your background where you come from and where you studied?
Thank you… I was born in Gaborone, Botswana. I grew up between Joburg and Gaborone before taking up studies at the University of Cape Town in 2004
Have you always known you wanted to be a musician, and what motivated you to take it as a career?
I’ve known since around the time I was 14 when I was listening to a lot of music and started taking piano lessons. I am motivated by the deep fulfillment that music can provide… Music can be a sanctuary, a playground or a teacher.
Winning this prestigious award must come with a lot of excitement, what will ground you to complete this scholarship?
I enjoy traveling. And the opportunity to be mentored by teachers and artists who inspire me is enough motivation for me to embark on the journey.
Winning must be in your genes, you’re the 2011 recipient of the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Jazz. Do you feel validated when you win an award or recognized for being an artist?
Its great that I have been chosen as the recipient of these prestigious awards and the panel of judges who decide are qualified and knowledgeable so it is an honor to be recognized by them.
Please tell us, what goes into your pre-show preparation?
I make sure I’m well prepared playing-wise with repetitive practice. Before the performance I try to clear my mind because the less thought while you play the better.
Here at Represent we wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Please leave us a quote that has carried you through life’s learnings?
Thank you… Follow your bliss!
You can follow Bokani Dyer on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BokaniDyer
Thank you Bokani.
