Local jazz composer Marcel Dednam wins top award at Aardklop
A Pretoria musician's debut festival production based on his journey from student to composer earned top honours at the prestigious Aardklop Festival in Potchefstroom.
Local jazz composer, musician, arranger and lecturer Marcel Dednam has taken first place for his debut performance in the Klassieke Musiek/Crossover Musiek-Uitvoering 2026 category for his Oorsprong production performance at the Aardklop Nasionale Kunstefees in Potchefstroom.
Aardklop Nasionale Kunstefees announced the three winners on Facebook on October 13, following the performances on October 2 and 3. Dednam and fellow musicians performed mostly original jazz compositions, alongside covers from various genres.
In a previous conversation with Rekord, Dednam described the performance as stepping out on his own and forging his own path. He reflected on that sentiment after the award announcement.
Forging a musical path
“Being the first production that I ever actually did at a festival, it really meant a lot to me,” said Dednam. “Also, seeing that the whole show was based on my journey as a musician, from when I studied up until now, and included my own compositions – it really meant a lot to get that recognition.”
“It is always so difficult because you do not know if people will like the music or if it is something that is already out there in the world,” he added.
Photo: Supplied
Memorable moments
Dednam shared his experience of receiving news of his nomination and subsequent win.
“In past years, the festival held a whole event where they invited all the nominated people and productions for an award ceremony,” he recalled. “This time, they just had an online release.
“I received a message saying I was nominated and was told not to say anything yet,” he said. “Then they announced the winners on their social media. I was really excited, especially seeing the talent among the other nominated productions.”
A note of gratitude
Dednam thanked those who shared the stage with him: bass player Werner Spies, drummer Peter Auret and guest artists Anna Davel and saxophonist Deryn Dednam, his wife.
“I want to thank my musicians – I could not have done it without them,” said Dednam.
“I am so privileged to have them perform my music with me. It was such a great experience to do all of the improvisation,” he said.
Home is where the heart is
Moving forward, the debut performer said he hopes to play his compositions to an audience closer to home.
“Planning ahead with my own material, I would like to have a performance in Pretoria so locals can attend, as many could not travel so far,” he said.
“I plan to see if I can book a venue such as Atterbury Theatre or Centurion Theatre.”
Runner-up contenders
The other nominees in the category were Charl du Plessis’ Take a Sad Song and Make It Better, and the Hofmeyrs’ Van Liefde en Die Nag and the Scullery Quintet’s Seasoned for Taste! performances.
Where to find Marcel Dednam’s work
To find out more about Dednam and listen to his music, visit his website at https://marceldednam.co.za/, find ‘Marcel Dednam’ on Spotify and Apple Music or explore his compositions on YouTube via @MarcelDednam.
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Photo: Supplied
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