Music Legend Jonathan Butler Gets Honorary Doctorate from Stellenbosch University
Chinedu Bruce
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Jonathan Butler received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil), honoris causa,
Cape Town, South Africa – March 24, 2025Famous South African musician Jonathan Butler has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Stellenbosch University (SU). He received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil), honoris causa, at a special graduation ceremony held by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
Why He Was Honoured 🎓
Jonathan Butler was celebrated for his big role in music and culture. He is a singer, composer, and performer who has used music to bring hope and change. The university said he was also honoured for helping young people from poor communities get access to the arts.
In his speech, Butler said this moment was a dream come true.
“This moment is a dream fulfilled, one that has come through beyond anything I could ever ask, think or imagine. It is a glorious day, one I will carry in me for the rest of my life. I stand before you deeply humbled. I am filled with gratitude and joy,” said Butler.
He shared that he did not finish school because of difficult life situations, but music became his teacher and life guide.
“Music has taught me discipline, courage, creativity and resilience,” he said. “I wanted to use music to make the world better, to change people’s lives and to uplift communities.”
A Message to Graduates
Speaking to new graduates, Butler encouraged them to stay strong and keep going even when life gets hard.
“Sometimes you will get tired and need to rest, but if you start right, you will end right,” he said.
After the speech, he performed live music, giving the audience a beautiful moment to remember.
His Journey from Athlone to the World
Jonathan Butler grew up during apartheid in Athlone, Cape Town, where life was very tough. He was one of 12 children in a musical family. At just seven years old, he joined a touring music group and later became a teen star in South Africa.
He made history by becoming one of the first Black musicians played on South African radio and shown on national TV during a time of strong racial segregation.
He later became famous worldwide, especially in the UK and the USA. In 1987, after touring with Whitney Houston, he gained more attention with his hit song “Lies”, which was nominated for a Grammy.]
Giving Back
Jonathan Butler never forgot where he came from. He is the Global Entertainment Ambassador for the Lalela Foundation, an organisation that teaches art to over 5,000 young people in South Africa every week.
Even today, he continues making music across different genres. His latest album Ubuntu includes a performance with Stevie Wonder on the song “Superwoman”.
