On April 28, 2022, the Harvard community was treated to a unique opportunity to hear from acclaimed international artist Nelson Makamo and jazz musician and composer Mandisi Dyantyis for a conversation about how art informs art and reflections on their experiences as artists-in-residence at the Harvard Center for African Studies as the two-week residency came to an end.

After the conversation, we had the honor of hearing Dyantyis perform. His performances frequently sell out in South Africa, and this was a special occasion for the Harvard community to get a taste of his talents. The performance included compositions he worked on during his time at Harvard as well as a tribute to the late Dr. Paul Farmer, American medical anthropologist and physician at Harvard University, and a Center for African Studies Faculty Affiliate. Mandisi performed with students from the Berklee College of Music: Lihi Haruvi on Alto Saxophone, Calvin Limuel on Piano, Mark Abramovski on Double Bass, and fellow South African Lumanyano Mzi on Drums. They came together the week of to put together the performance that mesmerized the crowd. Here is a highlight of the evening: 

More about the African Arts Initiative at the Harvar Center for African Studies.