South African Jazz arrived in Europe in the 60s through exile. The sheer urgency of the expression became the musical signpost for the Europeans to move away from the American influence and find their own identity.

At the centre of this international movement to finding oneself was Johnny Mbizo Dyani. From the early 60s onwards, the South African exiles brought a change to music all over Europe – London, Paris, Zurich, Basel, Frankfurt, Berlin, Copenhagen, Brussels and Stockholm. Perhaps it was a musical yearning for freedom combined with African roots? Perhaps it was the decidedly political commitment? Or the humanitarian approach of “for my country, for my people,” as Dyani put it?

The Annual Jazz Against Apartheid performed 100 concerts all over Europe and the USA and in 2022 for the first time ever came to South Africa, Duncan Village Eastern Cape the home town of Johnny Mbizo Dyani.

For the first time South African youngsters were exposed to this wonderful music. Their  amazement was visible. Young South African professional jazz musicians performed with the Jazz Against Apartheid veterans. This was described as a “once in a life-time experience.”  The release of this Songbook is the opportunity to ensure every major city and university in South Africa can bring Dyani compositions into education and performance.