Seatavern

Celebrating 50 Years of Steve Newman’s Musical Journey

This collaboration marks a milestone: the celebration of legendary South African guitarist Steve Newman’s 50 years as a professional musician. To honour this extraordinary achievement, Steve joins forces with Nish Pillay, a distinguished percussionist and Tabla maestro, to create a fusion of folk, world music, and contemporary sounds. Their performances combine masterful guitar work with the complex rhythms of Tabla, delivering a mesmerising auditory experience that transcends musical genres.

Together, they bridge the gap between ancient traditions and modern innovation, captivating audiences with rich storytelling and unmatched musical synergy. This duo represents not only decades of mastery but also a shared passion for pushing musical boundaries.

Steve Newman is a legendary South African guitarist renowned for his ability to craft a unique and captivating sound that blends African, Latin, and world music influences. As a member of the highly acclaimed band Tananas, Steve has been a pioneering force in the South African music scene for over five decades. His work, characterized by rhythmic complexity, lyrical melodies, and a distinctive acoustic guitar style, has made him a beloved figure both locally and internationally.Throughout his career, Steve has performed on countless stages across Europe, North America, and Asia. He continues his touring regime with a reputation as one of South Africa’s most accomplished and versatile musicians. His music is not only a testament to technical prowess but also to his commitment to artistic collaboration. His work alongside younger musicians like Nish Pillay showcases his dedication to nurturing the next generation of talent while remaining deeply rooted in cultural preservation.

Steve’s career has always been about more than just music; it’s about fostering connection and unity through art. His influence extends far beyond the stage, inspiring countless musicians and audiences with his ability to bridge cultural and generational divides.

Nish Pillay is a distinguished percussionist celebrated for his masterful Tabla performances that seamlessly blend South African and Indian musical traditions, merging ancient knowledge with modern technology. His dynamic artistry has graced stages alongside South African national treasure Steve Newman, and he has also performed as a support act (with rock project The Jack Mantis Band) for three-time Grammy Award winner Ben Harper. Nish has further showcased his artistry internationally, performing in Kenya, Rwanda, India, and Sri Lanka, bringing his unique rhythms to diverse audiences across continents. His ability to integrate traditional rhythms with contemporary sounds in innovative settings is a testament to his versatility and creativity.

With roots in South Africa and a musical journey that spans India and beyond, Nish brings unique depth and rhythm to every performance. His dedication to pushing musical boundaries results in experiences that captivate audiences on both emotional and spiritual levels. His performances highlight the transformative power of rhythm and melody to tell compelling stories, evoke deep emotions, and inspire both personal and collective change.

Nish is also deeply engaged in social justice projects with Prof. Eugene Skeef — former right-hand man of Steve Biko — and together they form part of the Harmony of Hands Ensemble, a collective that uses music and the arts to spark dialogue, uplift communities, and encourage transformation.