On Friday 30 May 2025, the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) will present a line-up of UKZN guitar alumni, who gather to honour their mentor, the inimitable flamenco guitarist and educator, Demi Fernandez.
Demi Fernandez, born in Brazil to Spanish parents, has long been a bridge between worlds, between cultures, between tradition and innovation. Having performed extensively in the flamenco tablaos of Spain, Demi brought with him not just skill, but soul. Fernandez is the long-standing guitarist for the Linda Vargas Flamenco Dance Company, lecturer and senior music staff at UKZN. As Head of the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, Neil Gonsalves puts it “he has shaped the musical DNA of countless students through his teachings in jazz guitar, arranging, harmony, and ensemble work. It is these students, now seasoned artists in their own right, who are returning to the stage, not just to perform, but to pay tribute, as Fernandez announced his retirement.”
Nick Pitman, known for his genre-defying compositions and his recent album Juicebox, is fresh off a whirlwind tour with musical theatre giants and jazz icons alike. His work blends jazz, funk, rock, and Afrobeat into a sonic kaleidoscope that somehow still feels grounded in the streets of Durban.
Solomon Willy, born in Nigeria and raised musically under Fernandez’s tutelage, brings a lush blend of Afro-beat, jazz, and African soul to his performances. His music has crossed oceans, from Australia to Durban’s biggest festivals.
Joshua Swanson‘s journey began at UKZN too. Now an educator and full-time performer with the acclaimed band The Kickstands, Swanson’s jazz stylings and educational commitment echo Fernandez’s own legacy of teaching through doing.
From Mozambique, Milton Chissano adds his unique musical heritage. With a foundation in classical guitar and a career that has spanned Afro-Cuban grooves, Bollywood motifs, and African folk songs, Chissano’s artistry is both broad and deeply rooted. His performances, including his current residency at King Shaka International Airport, speak of migration, memory, and homecoming.
Also taking the stage is Seb Goldswain, known for his electrifying fingerstyle technique and genre-blending compositions that fuse blues, rock, and jazz.
“Together, this line-up present some of the important torchbearers, each carrying a piece of Demi Fernandez’s enduring impact.” Says Gonsalves.
Event details
Friday 30 May
Centre for Jazz & Popular Music
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Howard College
Doors 6pm | Music 6.30pm
Tickets R120 general admission | R90 pensioners | R60 students
