WATCH: Jazz musician selected for musical exchange programme

Hendrick is jetting off to Germany as part of an exchange programme.

June 21, 2026

Zamantolo Fakude 1 minute read

Black man standing on a lit stage — Hendrick Monyeki. Photo: Zamantolo Fakude

Jazz musician Hendrick Monyeki hosted a send-off performance at the Music Academy of Gauteng in Putfontein on June 13, alongside beautiful performances by students from the academy.

As a talented muso and educator from Johannesburg, Monyeki, who is a graduate of the Music Academy of Gauteng, has been selected to form part of a a cultural exchange programme in Germany with the goal of using music to create artistic and educational connections.

Through performances, seminars and collaborations with German musicians and organisations, the project, Echoes of Heritage, will highlight South African jazz and folk traditions.

According to the musician, who is a teacher at the Music Academy of Gauteng, the journey will expand their musical vocabulary.

“My creativity is always stimulated by being exposed to many sounds, structures and cultural manifestations,” said Monyeki.

Group of young black youths — Students of the Music Academy of Gauteng who performed at the send-off are (back): Puseletso Kekana, Thabiso Dlamini and Sandile Wauchope. Middle: Onthatile Legotlo, Kgomotso Seopela, Ndumiso Mthombeni and Sandile Motshweni. Front: Bonolo Tibakwana. Photo: Zamantolo Fakude

“I think it will affect my storytelling, arrangements and how I blend South African jazz with international elements.”

Workshops, talks on art education and preservation, and performances with the Music Academy of Gauteng are all part of the exchange.

Beyond performances, the artist wants to establish long-term partnerships, such as collaborative concerts, educational exchanges, potential recording projects, and to return to South Africa with new perspectives on music education and preservation.

“Music is a universal language. We foster understanding when we use music to tell our tales,” he said.

“More artists, collaborations and a greater understanding of each other’s cultures will result from this exchange.”