The Music Academy of Gauteng (MAG) will celebrate the legacy, and enduring impact of its founder Dr Johnny Mekoa in Cloverdene, Benoni on Saturday 28 November. Mekoa, who was a trumpeter and music teacher, registered the MAG as a non-profit organization (NPO) in 1994 as its Executive Director. Initially, it was located in Daveyton before moving to Cloverdene.

This befitting celebration will bring together musicians, alumni, students, and the broader community in a powerful tribute through music and remembrance. It will commence at 10h00 with a wreath laying ceremony at Mekoa’s gravesite where family, colleagues, alumni, and community members will pay respects to a visionary educator and pioneer of South African Jazz development.

MAG Big Band conducted by Mthunzi Mvubu. Picture by Siphiwe Mhlambi

It will continue in the afternoon with a live concert from 15h00 to 17h00, featuring a dynamic lineup of performances including MAG Big Band with MAG Alumni, guests artists who are Friends of MAG, MAG Jazz Ensemble and Ekurhuleni Music School from Tsakane. The event serves not only as a platform to showcase emerging talent, it also celebrates excellence in music education, and strengthens community arts development in Gauteng.

Entrance is free, and members of the public are warmly invited to attend and be part of this meaningful celebration of heritage, music, and community. MAG Music Day is presented with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation (GDSACR), Gauteng Organisation of Community of Arts and Culture (GOMACC), and the Federation of Gauteng Community Arts. The MAG is located at 54 Putfontein Road, Cloverdene, Benoni.