Teboho “DiTeboho” Kobedi is a human trying to live his life, showing kindness where he can, exerting his strength where it’s needed, and exercising patience when things are not moving swiftly, all in an attempt to become a better human being. The pianist, composer, producer and educator was born and bred in the Vaal Triangle township of Sebokeng, which is part of Emfuleni Local Municipality.

Music was not prioritized nor ignored at his household. “Being raised in a township, our mothers were always singing”, he told Jazz It Out. He remembers watching his father playing the guitar as a child, which drew him closer to music. His elder brother was an avid music collector. “He would buy CD’s as often as he could, mainly Gospel albums, but also had an affinity for Western Classical Music”, he recalls. His elder sister was not into music but would appreciate a good song every now and again.

His family listened to Radio Pulpit, which played a lot of Gospel as part of its music content. Fred Hammond was his favourite from the family’s extensive catalogue. Teboho’s first academic encounter with music began when he enrolled at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). He never received formal training prior to enrolment at the Pretoria based institution.

Teboho “DiTeboho” Kobedi. Picture supplied

When he arrived at TUT, he met musicians who were years ahead of him, which was intimidating at first, but told himself to learn and absorb as much as possible in a short space of time. He was fortunate to be in a class of ‘heavy hitters’. The classes ahead of him and those that followed had extremely bright students. “I learnt a lot from my peers and I was really fortunate to be in an environment where information was freely available among students”, he said. Teboho was also fortunate to have really good lecturers.

While studying at the institution, he got to perform with musicians such as Tribute “Birdie” Mboweni, Mathunzi M, Keorapetse Kolwane, Lehlohonolo Ntsoko and Ncamisa Nqana. Such performances shaped him in becoming the musician he is today. He graduated with a B Tech in Jazz and Popular Music in 2017. He is also a B Music Honours graduate from the University of Pretoria which he obtained in 2020. Moving from TUT to Tukkies came with changes that he was willing to embrace.

Teboho has been working as a junior lecturer at TUT while pursuing his master’s degree at the same university. As a music educator, he has worked at Steyn City School, St Peters College and St Stithians College, conducting workshops and mentorship programmes.

Moved by the notes he plays. Picture supplied

In 2017, he took part in the SAMRO Overseas Scholarship Competition for keyboard players, where he reached the semi-finals and won De Waal Study Award in Jazz category. “It was quite nerve wrecking. Competitions are like a quick growth formula”, he said. By the time Teboho participated at the UNISA Piano Competition in 2019, he was a better pianist. “It was a tough contest. With that said, there was also a warm atmosphere among contestants. Two of them were people I studied with”, he added. He also reached the semi-finals and was awarded with a special prize.

He has worked with an array of artists such as Thembinkosi Mavimbela, Steve Dyer, Spha Mdlalose, Linda Sikhakhane, Rorisang Sechele, Viwe Mkizwana, Rum Gold, Anais Cordt, and Ofentse Sebola. He performed several roles ranging from pianist to co-composer and arranger. From 2019 to 2021, Teboho worked as a musical director and conductor for the South African State Theatre Youth Choir. He has performed at various festivals across the country such as Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival, NYJF and Rocking The Daisies. He has also performed at festivals outside South Africa such as The Amersfoort Jazz Festival in Netherlands, Canex Weekend in Algeria and The Kriol Jazz Festival in Cape Verde.

Teboho is an artist in his own right with a catalogue available on digital streaming platforms. His music is influenced by Gospel, Choral Music, South African Jazz, Neo-Soul and other genres. In 2020, he released his first single “DiTeboho” as a way of introduction to his audience. This was followed by the EP “Light A Candle” where he was experimenting with the digital world and electronic sounds. “Taba Tse Monate” is a single he released in 2022. His second EP “A Psalmists’s Meditation” was released in 2023. He is planning to release a solo project which is excited about.

Sharp listening skills make a good producer. Picture supplied

He co-produced Rorisang Sechele’s EP titled “The Seed” 2025 alongside Thato Modika. He played piano in Ofentse Sebola’s debut album “H.O.P.E.” (Holding On to Positive Expectations) which was released in 2021. Teboho also played ivory keys in Thando Zide’s EP. One of his longest collaborators, Mathunzi M, has released music where he played and produced. “I’m also quite excited about some of the projects with various artists that are yet to be released that I have been part of”, he said.

As a form of relaxation, he began chess lessons two years ago. His favourite South African artists are Afrika Mkhize, Kyle Shepherd, Themba Mkhize, Bokani Dyer, Nduduzo Makhathini, Sanele Phakathi and Zibusiso Makhathini. Globally, he likes Keith Jarrett, Gerald Clayton, Aaron Parks, Jacob Collier, Aaron Lindsay and Sullivan Fortner. Follow him on Instagram @di_teboho and subscribe to his YouTube channel Teboho Kobedi.