If the average fan was to compile a list of pianists who have made an impact on the world of jazz, I doubt that the name of Bheki Mseleku would figure very prominently, unlike that, say, of Rosanno Sportiello.

Though accurate, that fact is especially sad as the native-born South African was undoubtedly a musician of outstanding talent whose professional and private life was dogged by ill-health, financial problems and oppression.

Although handicapped by the loss of the top joints on two fingers of his right hand, sustained in a go-karting accident, Mseleku developed a rapid technique to compensate for his reduced hand span, and, in his early 20s had already established a reputation in the world of progressive jazz.

He first came to international prominence at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1977, playing with Philip Tabane’s group Malombo, and in 1980 moved to Europe with his long-time friend and collaborator, percussionist/ composer Eugene Skeef.

He arrived in London in the mid-1980s, and, after a two-week residency at Ronnie Scott’s, established a friendship with saxophonists Courtney Pine and Steve Williamson, who played on his album “Celebration”.

He subsequently became an international “name”, touring Europe, America, the Far East and India. His 1994 album “Timelessness” featured leading American musicians including saxophonists Pharoah Sanders and Joe Henderson, drummer Elvin Jones and singer Abbey Lincoln.

An attempt to make a living from music in South Africa never took off and Mseleku returned to London in 2006, where he passed away earlier this month at the relatively young age of 53.

However, there are enough recorded examples of his work to guarantee that his name will not be forgotten by his many admirers.