Minister Mackenzie mourns the passing of jazz legend Alvin Dyers

It is with profound sadness that we have learned of the passing of Alvin Dyers, a legendary figure in the Cape Jazz movement, recording artist, educator, and composer.
 
Born in Harfield Village in 1953, Alvin Dyers’ extraordinary talent became evident from a young age. By the age of seven, he was already playing the guitar, a passion that would shape his life and the music landscape of the Western Cape. As a founder of the band Sacred Legion – alongside his equally gifted brother Errol Dyers – and a key member of The Pacific Express during the 1980s, Alvin Dyers played a significant role in the evolution of Cape Jazz. He performed alongside legends such as Winston Mankunku, Ezra Ngcukana, and Johnny Fourie, contributing to the rich tapestry of South African music.
 
Dyers was celebrated for his unique sound that blended Latin, Cape Ghoema, African rhythms, and Jazz; a style immortalised in his 2000 debut album, ‘Wesley Street’. But his influence extended beyond his own music. As a jazz guitar teacher at the University of Cape Town, he nurtured new generations of musicians. He also inspired and encouraged many young artists through his renowned jazz jam sessions in Cape Town, which provided opportunities for them to interact with visiting musicians from around the world.
 
In 2011, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) honoured Alvin Dyers in the Western Cape Jazz Legends project, which pays homage to the rich jazz heritage of our province, while encouraging a wider audience to appreciate these musicians. He was also honoured at the 2023 DCAS Cultural Awards with a Ministerial Legacy Award in recognition of his contribution to jazz music as an educator and guitarist.
 
Alvin Dyers was more than just a musician; he was a beacon of inspiration for aspiring artists. His legacy will endure not only in the music he created but in the lives he touched as a teacher and mentor.
 
Our deepest condolences go to Alvin Dyers’ family, friends, and all who experienced the magic of his music.