A star performance from an A-rated researcher

Posted on April 28, 2023

Professor Riël Franzsen, Director of the African Tax Institute, is a man of many talents, donning multiple hats to his name. Apart from holding prestigious positions such as the South African Research Chair in Tax Policy and Governance and being an A-rated National Research Foundation (NRF) researcher, he is also a gifted and eclectic musician.

When he is not busy conducting impactful research or teaching, Prof Franzsen can be found strumming his guitar and producing captivating acoustic melodies.

Prof Franzsen, a self-taught talented guitarist and his band, Legacy – gave an outstanding performance at their Paul Simon Tribute Concert – Under African Skies, which took place in March 2023. The concert paid homage to celebrated American musician and songwriter, Paul Simon – who has a colourful musical career. The concert attracted around 160 music enthusiasts and Paul Simon fans.

Professor Riël Franzsen performing at the Paul Simon Tribute Concert

Franzsen plays the acoustic guitar in his band – which features his brother, also an acoustic guitarist, his daughter who plays the keyboard, his wife, the band’s percussionist, four vocalists, a drummer, lead and bass guitarists. The band mostly plays rock music from the 1960s and early 1970s but focus on songs with good harmonies.

For the concert, Legacy performed 21 of Paul Simon’s songs, including one by the Everly Brothers - who greatly influenced the early career of Paul Simon. Prof Franzsen says his favourite song by Paul Simon songs is America “because of the beautiful lyrics, nice acoustic guitar duo intro and outro, great harmonies, excellent bass line and a wonderful lead guitar section.”

Prof Franzsen started playing the guitar in high school. Besides playing the guitar, he is also a vocalist and occasionally plays the banjo for fun during the band’s jamming sessions. Whether he's delving into the intricate workings of tax policy or crafting soulful melodies on his guitar, Prof Franzsen is a multitalented individual who never ceases to impress.

Legacy’s next concert will take place on 23 September in the Pierneef Theatre and will again focus on music from the 1960s.

- Author Refilwe Mabula

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