Jazz pianist benefit concert to celebrate DL’s life
Scottburgh will resonate with the sweet sounds of renowned jazz pianist Melvin Peters, when he takes to the stage for a benefit concert on Sunday, 10 November.
The concert is in celebration of the late Dexter Zama’s life and work. Dexter, popularly known as DL, was a teacher and a committed community-spirited person. He worked tirelessly to bring clean running water to households and schools. He initiated the building of crèches and schools in uMdoni Municipality and beyond. He started extra English classes for underprivileged African students with the assistance of teachers at Scottburgh. He initiated the building of Philani Clinic at Kwa Cele and the growing of vegetables at Philani.
He secured bursaries for needy pupils and founded the Amandawe Senior Citizens Association.
“For the last three years, my family has continued to work with community groups my father founded,” said Dexter’s daughter Linda. “A bursary fund we founded made it possible for two students to complete a secretarial course and an internship. The sponsorship for sustaining the work came from family coffers until a grant for 18 months was secured in October.
The project is doing very well and more must to be done to ensure long-term sustainability.”
The concert takes place at Umdoni municipality hall from 3pm to 6.30pm, featuring the Melvin Peter’s Quartet. “In 2009, eThekwini Municipality bestowed a Living Legend Award on Melvin and we are honoured he will play on this important day,” said Linda.
There are 30 tables of 10 people on sale at a cost of R150 per person. Pensioners and students pay R50. The price includes snacks (halaal), tea, coffee and juice. There is a cash bar for wine and colddrinks. “The proceeds of the concert will go to all the projects that my father founded and those aligned to his life of service, including education, which was his passion.”
