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Meet Bheki Khoza

Bheki Khoza is one of South Africa’s most distinctive musical voices, a left-handed guitarist, composer, and musical director whose artistry bridges the soul of maskandi with the improvisational spirit of jazz. 


Mainly self-taught, he grew up inspired by his grandmother’s traditional Zulu melodies before discovering the pioneers of maskandi and the jazz greats of both South Africa and America. 


His unique style carries the storytelling pulse of African heritage while embracing the harmonic freedom of global jazz traditions.


UPCOMING LIVE PERFORMANCES

Featured Video

The Artist at a Glance

Image courtesy of Oscar Guiterrez

Performer

Bheki Khoza brings stories to life through his guitar, captivating audiences with performances that carry both the authenticity of his African roots and the energy of global stages.

Composer

Bheki Khoza believes in creating music that resonates with true emotions, honours his roots, and speaks to the soul of every listener.

Collaborator

By blending Maskandi heritage with jazz traditions from around the world, Bheki fosters a rich dialogue between diverse musical genres and cultures.

Educator

As an educator, Bheki shares not only the techniques of jazz but also its spirit, inspiring students to discover their own authentic voices in music.

Cultural Custodian

Bheki carries forward the rich traditions of African traditional music, preserving its essence while reimagining it within the broader landscape of contemporary jazz.

Mentor

Through mentorship, Bheki offers young musicians the guidance, encouragement, and wisdom needed to navigate both the art and the life of being an artist.

Chronology

2024 - 2025 | Cape Town / Stellenbosch

  • Moves to Cape Town as home base for furthering music career.
  • Appointed Inaugural Artist-in-Residence, Stellenbosch University.
  • Performs at Artscape Theatre.

2024 | South Africa

  • Press highlight: Exploring Southern African Geopolitical Landscapes through Jazz with Bheki Khoza.

2023 | Cape Town

  • Performance review: “Bheki Khoza took the Cape by storm” — acclaimed for his guitar mastery and piano improvisation.

2022 | Johannesburg

  • Featured at Nobel in Africa Jazz Session (UKZN), where jazz meets physics.

2016 | Johannesburg

  • Releases Songs of Life, a bold exploration of prophetic inspiration and new sonic terrains.

2013| Johannesburg

  • Releases Messianic Age (meditative piano works) and Asambe (SAFM project, recorded 1997). Affirms reputation as a genre-defying composer.

2010s - 2020s | Educator & Mentor

  • Lectures and mentors at Wits University, University of Natal, and Funda Arts Centre.
  • Leads community-based workshops and masterclasses across South Africa.

2010| Johannesburg

  • Releases Identity (live DVD), showcasing his piano work and improvisational range.

2006 - 2007 | Durban / Johannesburg

  • Releases Getting to Heaven Alive (2006).
  • Wins South African Music Award (SAMA) – Best Instrumental Jazz Album (2007).

2005 | Johannesburg

  • Music Director for Drum – Music from the Original Soundtrack, with a 20-piece band including legends Barney Rachabane and Tu Nokwe.

2003 | Johannesburg

  • Directs Sophiatown: Surviving Apartheid documentary honouring Dolly Rathebe.

2000s - 2010s | National & Intl. Collaborations

  • Performs and records with Hugh Masekela, Sibongile Khumalo, Simphiwe Dana, and African Jazz Pioneers.
  • Tours internationally: Switzerland, Italy, Germany, U.S., and across Africa.

Early 2000s| Film & Theatre Work

  • Serves as Music Director for Sophiatown (2003).
  • Contributes to acclaimed film score for Drum (2004).

1996 | Johannesburg

  • Releases debut album Asambe, blending jazz with socially conscious themes.
  • Contributes guitar to Mike Makhalemela’s Searching and other notable recordings.

Mid-90s | Return to South Africa

  • Returns home during post-apartheid cultural renaissance.
  • Quickly becomes part of the new wave of South African jazz.

1991 | United States

  • Wins prestigious Talent Award & Scholarship to study at the University of Hartford, Connecticut.
  • Studies under legendary saxophonist Jackie McLean.
  • Performs at major U.S. venues including Blue Note, Smalls Jazz Club, and the Schomburg Auditorium in Harlem.

1980s | Johannesburg / Durban

  • Forms Thayima, blending jazz and African music with political edge.
  • Joins Sipho Gumede’s Peace.
  • Collaborates with Winston Mankunku Ngozi, Barney Rachabane, Mike Makhalemela, and African Jazz Pioneers (composer of Sgaxa Mabhande).

1970s - early 1980s | Johannesburg

  • Backs iconic singers Dolly Rathebe, Abigail Kubheka, Sophie Mgcina, and Sibongile Khumalo.
  • Becomes a sought-after sideman across the SA jazz scene.

1970s | Durban Roots 

  • Childhood steeped in Zulu musical heritage — influenced by community gatherings, traditional instruments (Jew’s harp, harmonica) from his grandmother.
  • Begins teaching himself guitar, developing his signature left-handed playing style.

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