#MusicExchange: Bokani Dyer

I spoke to the master pianist last week:

The new decade means:​​

Hopefully it means the end of Covid-19.

Fame is about:​​​​

Lots of people knowing about you, I guess?

Retirement will happen when:​​

I can't say definitively. Not anytime soon!

I don't do:​​

Nonsense.

What does music mean to you?​​

A lot of things. Different things at different times. It is a companion at times and also a means to express myself and also learn about myself.

My music is about:​​

Everything. The life we live, our experiences, our solidarities, our
hopes and dreams.

I would love to co-write with:​​

Laura Mvula and Oumou Sangare.

Where do you go for inspiration to create?​​

It is not specific. Sometimes inspiration comes at unlikely times. I
just feel the spark to create and then it happens.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?​​

Connecting with people, whether it is fellow bandmates on stage or
audiences.

The song you must do in every show:​​

Mmm. I don’t have one that I feel I must do, but from streaming
insights, I have seen that a lot of people enjoy the song Fola from the Neo Native album.

Any funny moments on stage:​​

All the time! Sometimes when you go completely blank on songs you
know really well, best to find the funny side of these moments I
think.

Also, sometimes audiences say some hilarious things.

My heroes:​​

So many! For today, I will say Maya Angelou. So much powerful
insight and inspired thought.

My style icon:​​

Still looking for one.

Which living person do you admire most and why?​​

I admire a lot of people and their actions. It is difficult to single out one person and say they are the best or most admired. I admire my
mother for being highly principled and resolute in the things that
she believes in.

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What is your most treasured possession?​​

My piano.

It’s your round. What are you drinking?​​

Whiskey.

Dream gig to do:​​

I did one of my dream gigs two years ago at Ronnie Scott’s in
London - a place with so much history and so many greats who have
graced that stage.

What makes you stand out?​​

Everyone has a unique story to tell. I have my own and this makes me stand out.

Nicknames:​​

Bo, Boks, Bokso, Bokanator, Bokolosh and lots more. I am blessed to have some very creative people around me!

If you were not a musician, what would you do?​​​​

Probably something to do with psychology research.

Who would play you in a Hollywood blockbuster and why?​​

Haha, I don’t know. My favorite actor is Denzel Washington, so it
would be a trip to see him do it.

Pick five words to describe yourself:​​

Optimistic, daring, self-critical, careful and caring.

Five favorite SA albums:​​

Genes & Spirits - Moses Molelekwa
Celebration - Bheki Mseleku
Born in a Taxi - Blk Sonshine
We used to dance - Andile Yenana
Live at the Market Theatre - Sibongile Khumalo

Greatest movie ever made:​​

So many, but a recent one is Parasite.

What books are you reading?​​​​

The New Apartheid by Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh.

What song changed your life?​​

Spanish Joint - D’Angelo.

Who do you love?​​

My wife, family and friends.

What is your favorite word?​​

Shalom.

Favorite fashion garment:​​

Probably my hats.

What do you complain about most often?​​

I don’t complain much. I would have to ask my wife about that.

What is your fear?​​

Death.

Happiness is:​​

A great feeling that I wish for everyone as much as possible.

On stage, I tend to?​​

Lick my lips.

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The best life lesson you have been taught:​​

So many. A recent one is about not being too quick to assume
things. At times, I think people have the tendency to interpret things
hastily, only to find that their assumptions were incorrect.

Do you get worked up whilst watching a sports game on TV?​​

Sometimes while watching soccer I get passionate.

Where would you like to be right now?​​

I am happy to be where I am.

Do you do charity work and if you do, what do you do?​​

Not really. I would like to change this. There are so many people who need help in this country.

Wishes and dreams:​​

A more accepting country and world.

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