Jazz Legend Melvin Peters Closes Series with SA Tribute at Hue Café

Jazz Legend Melvin Peters Closes Out Who’s Got The Map? Series with a Tribute to South African Icons at Hue Café

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, in association with the Centre for Creative Arts and South African Association for Jazz Education (SAJE), is proud to announce a special performance by celebrated jazz pianist Melvin Peters at Hue Café on Friday 24 May at 2:30PM. This concert marks the culminating moment of the 2025 Who’s Got The Map? series: a jazz initiative inspired by the questioning spirit of South African jazz legend Andile Yenana, in the year that his seminal album of the same name celebrates its 20th anniversary.

This concert takes place just one day ahead of Africa Day and Peters’ set is a homage to the towering figures of South African jazz whose music has shaped cultural identity and resistance.

“The performance will be a tribute to South African jazz music, its icons and the music they contributed,” says Melvin Peters. “Audiences can expect interpretations of works made known through the artistry of Abdullah Ibrahim, Bheki Mseleku, and Winston Mankunku Ngozi—musicians whose soundtracks accompanied our national journey.”

Joining Peters on stage will be his band, consisting of Jeff Robinson on saxophone and flute, Bongani Sokhela on bass guitar, and Bruce Baker on drums.

About Melvin Peters: Born in Overport, Durban, Melvin Peters began his musical journey with classical piano lessons at the age of six. He pursued a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Natal, where he commenced jazz piano studies under the tutelage of Darius Brubeck in 1983. Peters furthered his education with a Master of Music in Jazz Performance and later attended Harvard University, where he explored diverse musical disciplines.

Throughout his illustrious career, Peters has performed internationally, including tours in the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom. Notably, he was a member of the Jazzanians, a student band that toured the U.S. and recorded the album We Have Waited Too Long. Peters has collaborated with renowned artists such as Abdullah Ibrahim, Winston Mankunku Ngozi, and Thandi Klaasen, and has been instrumental in jazz education, having lectured at the University of Durban-Westville.

Event Details: Hue Café, Durban, 24 Campbell Avenue Friday, 24 May 2025 2:30PM Tickets: Available via Webtickets

This event is presented with the support of the KwaZulu-Natal Performing Arts Trust (KZNPAT), reinforcing a shared commitment to preserving and celebrating South Africa’s jazz legacy.

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