BIOGRAPHY
Lumanyano Mzi is a South African / Boston USA based award winning musician with his “The Unity Band”, whose debut album "Fabric" earned them the Best-Newcomers in Jazz Award at the 2019 Mzanzi Jazz Awards.
Lumanyano's musical journey began with an adventurous spirit, as he snuck out of his home at just six years old to witness his father's reggae band in action. Little did he know that fate had something special in store for him that day, as he ended up filling in for the missing drummer and wowing his father with his natural talent. From there, Lumanyano's passion for music continued to grow, with jazz and gospel sounds becoming a major influence on his self-taught drumming style.
Currently a Contemporary Writing and Production Graduate from the prestigious Berklee College of Music 23’.
With a wide range of musical experiences under his belt, including performances with an impressive list of local and international artists, Lumanyano's journey continues to evolve. He remains a passionate and collaborative force in the world of music, always eager to explore new sounds and connect with fellow artists.
ARTIST WORKED WITH include:
Larry klien,sona jobarteh, ingrid saga, mandisi dyantyis,sibongile khumalo, mccoy mrubata, Judith sephuma,gentlman, ruth tafebe, lucian, eric donaldson, half pint, everton blender, nando mitchelin, albino mbie, spha mdlalose, zoe modiga, Gorden vernick, darren english, gloria bosman, titi Luzipo, turbulance, jah mason, tyron downie, drie manskap, kanyi mavi, all nation band, amanda strydom, freshly ground, micheal bester, blake hellaby, cedric “congo” myton, n8n, meta & the cornerstones, pam hall,ebinho cardoso to name a few
Discography
AVAILABLE ON ALL DIGITAL PLATFORMS
Ciara Moser - Blind So What?
As a professional bassist and someone who has been blind since birth, part of Dublin-born/Austria-raised/Boston-based Ciara Moser’s identity has shaped her unique journey through life and music in a profound way. The songs on Blind. So what? explore topics such as the art of memorizing, spatial sense for orientation, trusting others, and the different perceptions that blind people have on the world.
Drummer, Assistant Producer: Lumanyano Mzi
Released: October 20th 2023
THE UNITY BAND - BREAKING BREAD
Breaking Bread by The Unity Band is a dynamic and uplifting album that blends elements of jazz, funk, and world music to create a soulful and engaging sound.
Produced by: Lumanyano Mzi
Released: March 3, 2023
INGRID SAGA - IN THE SPACE BETWEEN OUR SOULS
WRITTEN BY Ingrid Saga Anderson & Jane Potter ENGINEER, MIX & MASTER Ciaran De Chaud
PIANO Jane Potter BASS Kevin Barber DRUMS Lumanyano Mzi
Genre: Jazz
Released: March 3, 2023
Sofia Almeida - awaken your serpent
Composer, Arranger, Vocalist, Co-producer Sofia Almeida Producer, Mixing Engineer Stylianos Psarogiannis
Violinist Ángela Varo Pianist Harold Charon Acoustic Bassist Michael Doughty Drummer Lumanyano Mzi
Genre: Jazz
Released: February 10th 2023
GOOD LUCK - UP CLOSE
Genre: SINGER/SONGWRITER/FOLK
Release: April 2, 2021
Mighty Ethiopians “rAS gAD” - Solution
Conscious reggae music written and performed by father Sibulele Bizana. Had the pleasure of gifting my father with his first debut album. These are a collections of songs he wrote in the 90’s that where never professional recorded. Through the help of my talented friends and colleague his dream came true.
Produced by: Lumanyano Unity Mzi
Genre: Raggae
Released: December 7, 2020
BLAKE HELLABY - #NOTJAZZ
This album musically defines Blake as a composer and performer; beyond the common beliefs and perhaps, even expectations. Blake could opt for more of the same or perhaps journey into an exciting new direction? It's up to you to decide, Jazz or #notjazz?
Genre: Jazz: Jazz-Funk
Released: 2020
MICHEAL BESTER - NOW, NOT YET
Modern jazz with rock, folk and world music influences
Genre: Jazz: Jazz Fusion
Released: 2020
THE ROCKSKANDI KINGS
The Rockskandi Kings mix roots Rock n’ Roll with South African Maskandi and Mbaqanga and use this inspiration to create music that draws attention to issues in South Africa and the world at large.
Genre: Rock: Rock & Roll
Released: 2020
BLAKE HELLABY - LOVE EP
The album briefly delves into the moments we find ourselves in, as we navigate this difficult thing called “love”. From the excitement of your first relationship to walking away from toxicity.
Genre: Pop: New Romantic
Released: 2020
CONGO COWBOYS - EP
The Congo Cowboys: music that draws on the foot stompin qualities of bluegrass country, reimagined through Kwassa Kwassa African rhythms and Soukous guitar. The Congo meets the Deep South in a gritty exploration of Americana and ol' timey ditties. Banjo and bluesy bass lines from boys in boots. It's fire and hell, whisky and ribs, murder in the pines... BOYA TOSEPELA!
Released: 2019
THE UNITY BAND - FABRIC
This young and fresh band weave together the sounds of modern Africa with tasty licks and soulful chords. Based in Cape Town, South Africa; this band is a melting pot of cultural backgrounds and musical influences.
Genre: Jazz: African Jazz
Released: 2019
McCoy Mrubata - Brasskaap Sessions Volume III
Genre: Jazz
Released: 2019
Jo Kunnuji Experiment & Gogoke - Avale
A syncretic musical style drawing on West African, Southern African and jazz elements, thereby creating an infectious rhythmic sensibility.
Genre: World: African
Released: 2019
MANDISI DYANTYIS - SOMANDLA
Genre: Jazz
Released: 2018
RAS VUYO - DIVERSION
Diversion is an exceptionally well arranged melodic, hypnotic and meditative album that eloquently addresses social issues.
Genre: Reggae
Released: 2018
MURRAY BUITENDag - you're my everything
Atmospheric Jazz exploring the Trombone in a quartet ensemble.
Genre: Jazz: Cool Jazz
Released: 2018
Darryl Andrews Jazz Orchestra - cape town
Genre: Big Band Jazz
Released: 2017
GUY COLLINS - BREAKING MY BONES
Genre: Rock
Released: 2015
JO KUNNIJI EXPERIMENT - SOUNDS FROM MY CHILDHOOD
BLAKE HELLABY - NEW BEGINNINGS
Production & Composition
This is music I have composed, produced and played on. For more about my work as a bandleader, session player and sideman, see my discography and video pages.
I was hired to write the music for Demtruk Company demonstration advertisements.
This specialized niche espresso machine cart has global rock star status among artisan technicians, and so selecting a rock genre for them was a good fit.
Genesis Commercial - Student Project
This commercial is used for educational purposes only, and not to be monetize. All rights to the music are reserved with Lumanyano Mzi.
The Apple Watch Commercial - Student Project
This commercial is used for educational purposes only, and not to be monetize. All rights to the music are reserved with Lumanyano Mzi.
Projects & artist associated with
Photo by Gregory Frans
Lumanyano mzi tro/quaRTET
The Lumanyano Mzi Trio/Quartet was established with the purpose of embarking on an exploration of the musical compositions of its founder, Mr. Lumanyano Mzi, whilst concurrently serving as a dynamic and versatile platform for the investigation of both traditional and contemporary Jazz music.
The unity band
The Unity Band is a talented and diverse ensemble that creates fresh, genre-defying music, inspired by South Africa's rich cultural heritage. Rooted in jazz and enriched by hip hop, salsa, funk, poetry and a contemporary African sound, this 8-piece group, led by drummer and vocalist Lumanyano "Unity" Mzi, has garnered critical acclaim since their inception as students at the South African College of Music. Their debut album 'Fabric' was an award-winning success in 2019, and their latest album 'Breaking Bread,' released in March 2023, promises to be yet another musical triumph for The Unity Band.
Photo by Daniel Manner
Photo by Be Wild Production
Azania Band
South Africa’s iconic Roots Reggae band out of Cape Town’s townships. Founded in the early 90’s, Azania Band has created a unique Deep Heavy Reggae sound with a soulful touch of Jazz. Touring Africa as band or backing band, Azania is now known and awarded as Southern Africa’s Best Reggae band.
Congo cowboys
Congo Cowboys, formed by Freshlyground members and Congolese lead singer Chris Bakalanga, along with South African drummer Lumanyano Mzi, blends foot-stomping Bluegrass & Country with lively Kwassa Kwassa rhythms and soulful Soukous guitar. Their gritty fusion of African and American sounds invites listeners on a journey through the Deep South and the heart of Africa, complete with banjo twang and bluesy bass lines. The fiery mix of hellfire, whisky, ribs, and murder in the pines is sure to leave audiences yearning for more.
Photo credit: Jonx Pillemer
VIDEOS
An Instagram Collaboration with South African Poet Thabiso Sonkoana
Trails as performed by "The Unity Band" on the album "Fabric" coming out in January 2019 Subscribe and follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUnityBandZA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunitybandza/
Nqo Nqo Nqo (Knock Knock Knock) composed by: Lumanyano Mzi Live at The Silo Jazz Series 2018 March 23 Thandeka Dladla - Vocals Dylan Fine - Guitar Lonwabo Mafani - Piano Ofenste Moshoetsi - Alto Sax Lumanyano Mzi - Drums & Vocals featuring: Keegan Steenkamp - Trumpet Sabu Jiyana - Percussion Thomas Lossius - Double & Electric Bass
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) is affectionately referred to as "Africa's Grandest Gathering" and also the largest music event in sub-Saharan Africa. The festival is famous for its star-studded line up of local and international artists and is currently preparing for its 19th annual event.
Drums: Lumanyano Unity Mzi Saxophone: Damien Allouch A fun jam after a long sound check in Reunion Island, Le Kerveguen playing with Derajah and Azania Band.
The Fugard Theatre's production of KING KONG - THE MUSICAL! Over half a century since the original production, the Fugard Theatre's forthcoming, brand new production of the legendary South African musical - KING KONG - is in rehearsals and coming to the Mandela Theatre!
For the past two decades All Nations has been promoting local and international reggae music and artists in South Africa, their most recent shows in South Africa have included: Capleton, Luciano and Sizzla. Performing live in the Expresso Studio this morning, Jamaican queen of reggae, Etana performs a cover of Bob Marley's hit, Redemption Song.
Cape Town based singer/songwriter Ryan Coetzee performs with friends at TedXCapeTown 2015.
Live from Reunion Island
15 September 2017
CEDRIC "CONGO" MYTON And AZANIA BAND LIVE @Le Kerveguen (Reunion Island) 15th Sept. 2017 A Living Legend and the best Reggae Band outta Southern Africa !
Featuring the Azania Band
A Nigerian Yoruba song arranged by Jo Kunnuji Jo Kunnuji - Trumpet Zeke Le Grange - Saxophones Blake Hellaby - Piano Sabu Bhele Jiyana - Percussion Sibusiso Matsimela - Bass Lumanyano "Unity" Mzi - Drums Recorded by Blake Hellaby
Band: Jesse Julies - Alto Saxophone Matthew October - Tenor Saxophone Blake Hellaby - Piano Sean Sanby - Bass Lumanyano "Unity" Mzi - Drums Song list: 00:00 Biko's Dream - Moses Molelekwa 07:40 Take Me To Church - Blake Hellaby 14:02 Matswale - Moses Molelekwa 19:10 Noonku - Blake Hellaby 25:57 Time For Change - Blake Hellaby
The Unity Band is Thandeka Dladla, Steve De Souza, Lilavan Gangen, Dylan Fine, Lonwabo Mafani, Ofenste Moshoetsi, Marco Maritz and Lumanyano Mzi. A young vibrant collective of musicians formed at the South African Collage of Music UCT, the band is an experiment of Jazz, Fusion, Hip Hop, African and World Music.
After Movie of the 2017 Abijian Tour with Nkulee Dube and Azania Band
Lumanyano "Unity" Mzi Ludwe Danxa Damien Allouch Nathan Carolus Wakhile Xhalisa Rickie Bushula JahSam Ras Militan and Romain jamming Cedric "Congo" Myton & AZANIA BAND Live The @Le Kerveguen 15/O9/17 #SouthAfrica #ReunionIsland #Lekerbeguen #Jamaica #France #SaintPierre #RootsMusic
For the past two decades All Nations has been promoting local and international reggae music and artists in South Africa, their most recent shows in South Africa have included: Capleton, Luciano and Sizzla. This morning performance is by Jamaican reggae artist, Turbulence and his hit single "Call on Jah". http://www.expressoshow.com/
For the past two decades All Nations has been promoting local and international reggae music and artists in South Africa, their most recent shows in South Africa have included: Capleton, Luciano and Sizzla. Joining us in studio to perform his hit single "Love, Love, Love", Jamaican artist, Bushman http://www.expressoshow.com/
Bianca Wood kicked off the year with a performance at the Saggy Stone Beer and Music festival and her and the team are completing the new EP and travelling to Durban in May and in June to Johannesburg and the Limpopo for the Bushveld Paradise Festival.
Bass - Omar Kimmie : Keys - Jason Reolon : Drums - Lumanyano "Unity" Mzi
Absolute experience and honour sharing the #RTD2015 main stage for the first time with these magicians
Booking
Lumanyano Unity Mzi
+27 (0) 78 156 8232 Whatsapp
+1 (617) 259 2835 Call
unitymzi@gmail.com