Internationally-acclaimed composer and songwriter Jonathan Butler was awarded an honorary doctorate by Stellenbosch University (SU) at a graduation ceremony on Monday (24 March).
He received the degree Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil), honoris causa, at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences’ graduation ceremony.
The South African music legend was honoured for his musical influence and contributions to arts and culture as a composer, songwriter and performer, and his dedication to creating platforms that ensure access to the arts for young people from marginalised communities.
“This moment is a dream fulfilled, one that has come true beyond anything I could ever have asked, thought or imagined,” he said in his acceptance speech. “It is a glorious day, one I will carry in me for the rest of my days. I stand before you deeply humbled. I am filled with gratitude and joy.”
Butler added that the degree is not just for himself, but also for his family.
Although he lived under the shadow of apartheid and faced hardship growing up in Athlone, Butler was one of the first artists of colour to be played on South African radio and appear on television at a time of racial segregation.
As the youngest of 12 children in a family that played music to make ends meet, he began touring with a travelling stage show at age seven and was later signed up to perform on a string of hit recordings, turning him into a local teen idol.
Butler later became one of the key voices in the international arena advocating for the release of Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners.
Having already made a name for himself in Africa and the UK, it was not until 1987, when he toured as Whitney Houston’s opening act, that Butler was noticed in the US. His final breakthrough came that same year with his Grammy-nominated hit single “Lies”.
Over the years Butler has continued his success with the release of more than 28 albums, including several gospel projects, one featuring the revered “Falling In Love with Jesus”.
This week Butler admitted that what he lacked in education due to circumstances he received through music. “Music became my teacher, my guide, my compass. Music has taught me discipline, courage, creativity and resilience. The journey was not easy. I wanted to use music to bring the world together to make this world a better place to see change in people’s lives, to see change in communities.”
He told the new SU graduates that they have their own race to run and trees to chop down. “Sometimes you will get weary and tired, and you’ll have to stop and regroup. But if you start right, you will end right.”
Following his acceptance speech, Butler entertained those in attendance by singing some of his songs.
