Steve Dyer

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

He was born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa in 1960, and majored on saxophone and flute at the Univeristy of Natal in 1981. Refusing military conscription into the apartheid defence force he 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 he formed the group
Southern Freeway producing Southern Freeway (1989) and
Indlela yenkululeko (1992). In 1990 he joined the Amandla cultural ensemble of the A.N.C 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. His music directing experience includes toured projects across Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
He conceptualised the Southern African music “supergroup” Mahube that has
been an ongoing collaboration since 1997.
Steve also has extensive producing experience including 5 albums for Oliver
Mtukudzi (1998-2002) including the seminal Tuku music.
Steve's latest project - Enhlizweni - song stories from my heartland received a SAMA 30 award in 2024 for best jazz album.