HENDRICK ITUMELENG MONYEKI – b. 8 September 1985 in Eersterus, Hammanskraal.
Vocals/ Facilitator/Moderator/ Assessor / Convenor of the No 2 Nyaope Campaign
Hendrick Monyeki is a gifted singer with a distinctive tenor and musical versatility that spreads across the jazz, ballad and gospel genres. A graduate of the Music Academy of Gauteng (the Johnny Mekoa School) in Benoni, Ekurhuleni, he was auditioned by Dr Johnny Mekoa, the late founder of the academy as well as American saxophonist, Kirk Whalum as one of the criteria to enrol at the institution. Subsequently he studied performing arts there between 2006 and 2009 while he also acquired grades with the Royal School of Music in London.
Subsequently he did his internship there as a singer with the Gauteng Jazz Orchestra. He worked with a number of seasoned musicians and jazz legends such as Ernest “Stompie” Manana, Barney Rachabane, Khaya Mahlangu, Sydney Mavundla and Prince Lengoasa. The orchestra also offered him dream opportunities to perform with visiting dignitaries like Lalah Hathaway, Liz Wright, Randy Crawford, Joe Sample, Dee Dee Bridgewater and George Benson, Kirk Whalum and others. As of 2018 he has been teaching theory and history of music at the academy for eight years and holds a Bachelor of Music degree with Unisa.
He holds a Higher Certificate in Public Administration and ETD Practices from Regenesys Business School.
Monyeki has been around in the music industry for a while, having worked with the Gauteng Jazz Orchestra as one of its leading voices for several years.
He has also worked as a background artist with a long list of accomplished artists – including Kgotso Makgalema, Tebz David, Lionel Petersen, James Okon, Uche, Jonas Gwangwa, Sibongile Khumalo, Johnny Mekoa Big Band, Selaelo Selota, Moreira Chonguica, Mimi Ntenjwa and the David Beck Trio. His prowess as a jazz composer and performer finds poignant expression in the single, Stay.
As a performer he has appeared at a number of high-profile events and international shows – notably the Presidential Inauguration of Jacob Zuma (2009), the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (2006/2010), Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival (2006/2010), the Presidential National Orders ceremony (2010), the Albertina Sisulu Gala Dinner (2014), the Steve Mokone Memorial Service at the FNB Stadium (2015), European tours of Germany and Sweden (2016). In 2017 he toured the United States.
The death of Johnny Mekoa, his mentor and father figure in 2017 inspired the idea of a tribute concert dubbed Tribute To South African Legends which he organised at the school in 2018. In the same year he was appointed ambassador for Rennies Travel and Urban Zulu, an African print clothing shop. His pictures of the car hire agency can be seen on huge billboards at OR Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International Airport.
Discography
- New Levels of Favour (2017)
- Beyond Measure (2019)
- Unmerited Favour (2021)
- Arise (2022)