US pianist, arranger, educator, vocalist and scholar, Dr Paul John McGee will be performing at the UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music on Wednesday 30 October. This will be his second visit to South Africa in 2024, with his first which was a sold out affair in February. When his Durban fans expressed a wish for his return, little did they know it would happen sooner than they anticipated, much to their excitement. This visit is for both research and performance.

He holds a Doctorate of Ministry with a focus on Pastoral Care and Counselling from The Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia. His groundbreaking dissertation, ‘A Sound for Distressed Souls: Gospejazzical as an NTU Approach for Coping with the Vocational Stressors of the Black Pastor’, explores the healing potential of his innovative genre, Gospejazzical. This unique sound merges Gospel, Jazz, and Classical music to create a powerful fusion that entertains, uplifts, and inspires.

Joining McGee on stage will be drummer Sbu Zondi, bassist Senzo Mdamba, saxophonist Leon Sharnick, and a special guest vocalist. UKZN Jazz Centre is located at Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2, Howard College Campus. Tickets are R110 for general admission, R80 for pensioners and R50 for students. Doors will open at 17h00 and the concert starts at 17h30.