FROM being a drummer student at eleven from Cape Town University to a globetrotter, Danno Petersen is changing the world through drums.
The Cape Town born but Joburg based, is amongst seven SA students who have graduated from the Manhattan School of Music Through Hugh Masekela Heritage Scholarship, in the New York City.
“These exceptional young South African musicians embody the spirit and legacy of Bra Hugh — a tireless advocate for music, education, and African heritage – encapsulated in his mantra ‘Love Learn & Teach,” says the spokesperson for the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation.
Known for his drumming abilities, the soft speaking Danno, who was influenced to love music from very tender age- thanks to his well-known Jazz musician Danny Petersen, once regaled that:” this is a way to say thank you to South Africans and to pay tribute to the great musicians who influenced me.
“I was asked whether I was making a fortune or if I was going to get a million new Instagram followers. I honestly couldn’t believe that would be considered a benefit, a way to celebrate my first 18 years.
I am not that guy. I play drums because I was born to,” he was quoted.
Now that he has completed his four-year Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies at MSM, Danny says he wants to further “my education into film scoring”.
His father, mentor, friend Danny described his son as his inspiration.
“From the moment his little hands grabbed on to my finger, we were connected in a way that is indescribable. How or why God chose me to be this boy’s father is a mystery to me.
I am and always will be beyond grateful to share his life journey with him.
We are father and son, and there is love. We are friends, and there is teasing and laughter, and we are musicians, the student has become the teacher. I will miss my boy but I celebrate the man he has become,” he lamented.
Both Mom and sister are proud of him.
Other graduates includes:
Kabelo Mokhatla – percussionist and academic achiever
Lifa Arosi – saxophonist and composer
Motswedi “Moe” Modiba – vocalist and performer
Nhlanhla Mahlangu – jazz artist and international performer
Simon Manana – multi-instrumentalist and improviser
Zoe Molelekwa – pianist and composer
Since the programme’s inception in 2019, the Hugh Masekela Heritage Scholarship has opened doors for talented South African musicians to access world-class music education at one of the world’s most prestigious conservatories.
Offered in partnership with the Manhattan School of Music and the ELMA Music Foundation, the scholarship honours the life and legacy of Hugh Masekela by nurturing artistic excellence and cultural integrity.
“These graduates have not only honed their craft on a global stage but have also carried Hugh Masekela’s vision of African excellence and innovation into the world,” said a spokesperson for the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation.
“Their success is a proud moment for South Africa and a powerful reminder of what investment in youth can achieve.”
The HMHF is working tirelessly to ensure a continuation of the project and hopes to announce the applications for a future intake in the near future.
Later this year, more cohorts will be invited to apply for scholarship by visiting: www.hmhf.co.za
Image supplied (Father and son bond, Danno- who is a graduate in Jazz Music and Danny Petersen).
