Dr Nkosi is a Senior Lecturer, Subject Head and Coordinator of Music Education and Practice at the UFS’ Odeion School of Music. PASMAE is the African arm of the International Society for Music Education. Dr Nkosi’s appointment recognises his contribution to music education and signals the UFS’ growing role in shaping Indigenous African musical arts education on the continent.
Advancing African musical arts education
PASMAE serves music educators across Africa by coordinating regional and sub-regional conferences, research dissemination, advocacy initiatives, and efforts aimed at preserving musical and other cultural heritage in African countries. The society also supports musicians through the sharing of resources and best practice methods, while advocating for music and musical arts education at individual, community and institutional levels.
Reflecting on his appointment, Dr Nkosi said the Secretary General role carries responsibility for the organisation’s long-term direction. “The Secretary General role is the engine of an organisation’s growth and strategic development. My role is to advocate for access to African musical arts education in schools and in the community,” he said.
He added that his academic work continues to inform the perspective he brings to PASMAE. “I strive to have a balanced and inclusive curriculum that incorporates Indigenous African musical arts practices. I will be representing the UFS in continental spaces where the future of Indigenous African musical arts education is shaped.”
Looking ahead to the 2025 to 2027 term, he identified key priorities such as the inclusion of Indigenous practitioners, the establishment of a youth forum, and the strengthening of partnerships with schools, community centres, museums and traditional leadership structures. He said his leadership approach is guided by values of respect, transparency, responsibility, and accountability, with an emphasis on creating lasting societal impact beyond short-term academic engagements.
Dr Jan Beukes, Head of the Odeion School of Music, described Dr Nkosi as a valuable asset to the school. “He represents us in several capacities and continues to broaden our footprint across Africa,” he said. Dr Beukes added that the appointment reflects the school’s and the faculty’s commitment to leadership in African music education and decolonisation, while positioning the UFS and the Odeion School of Music prominently within continental music education networks.