ITHEMBA ELITSHA - A NEW HOPE
Ithemba Elitsha (A new hope), is a rich and unique sonic tapestry that inspires infinite hope in a better future for humanity. In a world that is riddled with existential angst, contradictions, and uncertainty, this musical offering is a welcome tonic. In this debut solo project, Lumanyano, captures the complexity of his personal life’s journey through music and equally reflects on a world that is constantly changing amidst an unrelenting search for meaning and healing. Lumanyano’s deft musical touch, skillfully blends the old and the contemporary, paying homage to the rich musical heritage of South African jazz and township sounds, which informed his early influences in music, evoking a warm nostalgia whilst looking ahead into the world through global and contemporary sonic influences. This synthesis is what makes this project a truly special musical masterpiece, as you are invited to journey alongside him through this musical voyage across space and time. What is also striking about what Lumanyano has done, is the way in which the music transcends the confines of geographical limitations, making it fully accessible to a global audience, and reflecting the common bond of humanity as suggested by the meaning of his own name. Notably, the music is brought to life by a multinational and multigenerational ensemble, truly embodying a reflection of a new future. Ithemba Elitsha is a heartfelt invitation to renewed dreams, hope and freedom with childlike abandon. It is an invitation to take a moment to pause, and realign with self, in a society that esteems the constant and often hollow pursuit of the next. Listening to this offering is a transformative experience that will leave you feeling connected to self and humanity and inspired to keep hope alive!
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OFFICIAL PERFORMANCE VIDEOS
Project Personnal
Band/Artist Featured:
Kevin Harris - Piano (USA)
Internationally recognized jazz pianist Kevin Harris is known for his innovative fusion of jazz, Black Gospel, and Afro-Caribbean influences. A YAMAHA artist, he has collaborated with Terri Lyne Carrington, Ralph Peterson, Greg Osby, and more. His latest album, EMBERS (2024), has drawn comparisons to Mingus and Hancock. Harris’ projects, including Roots, Water & Sunlight, push musical boundaries, reflecting his commitment to exploration, improvisation, and storytelling.
Jacques Schwarz-Bart - Tenor Sax (GLP)
Jacques Schwarz-Bart, a pioneering figure in modern jazz, has revolutionized the genre with his creation of Gwoka Jazz and Voodoo Jazz, blending Afro-Caribbean rhythms with jazz. A former member of Roy Hargrove's RH Factor, Jacques has performed with luminaries like D'Angelo, Roy Hargrove, and Meshell N’Degeocello. His albums, including Soné Ka La and Jazz Racine Haiti, have earned global acclaim. He is also a professor at Berklee College of Music, inspiring a new generation of jazz musicians. Jacques' latest project, The Harlem Suite, showcases his journey from Guadeloupe to Harlem.
Nando Michelin - Piano (URU)
Nando, born in Montevideo, Uruguay, is a renowned pianist and educator based in Boston, where he teaches at Berklee College of Music, Tufts University, and Longy School of Music. With over 14 CDs in his discography, Nando has collaborated with notable musicians including Esperanza Spalding, Jerry Bergonzi, and George Garzone. He has performed in prestigious venues such as the Wang Center and the Smithsonian. As a producer, he worked on albums for Katie Viqueira and Teresa Ines, among others. Nando has also given clinics worldwide, including in South Africa and Brazil
Isaac Romagosa - Acoustic & Electric Guitar (ESP)
Barcelona-born, NYC-based guitarist Isaac Romagosa fuses Spanish folk with Post-Impressionism in jazz-fusion. His 2022 EP, "From Now On," blends flamenco with jazz and Messiaen Modes. Touring includes Alfred Garcia, OBC, and Cor Giovinetto. He's recorded with Chano Dominguez, Maria José Llergo, and Jerry Bergonzi. A Berklee Global Jazz Institute graduate with full scholarship, and ESMuC alumnus, Romagosa is now pursuing a doctorate at NYC University with a "La Caixa" Fellowship.
Sheila del Bosque Fuentes - Flute (CUB)
Sheila is a multi-award-winning Cuban flutist, composer, conductor, and educator. A Haynes Artist and Jazz Committee Chair of the National Flute Association, she blends Afro-Cuban, European, and jazz influences in her music. She has performed worldwide with prestigious orchestras and played for figures like Pope Francis, Jill Biden, and The Rolling Stones. A Berklee alum with degrees in Film Scoring, Performance, and Conducting, she has collaborated with the Boston Landmark Orchestra and composed for film, including The Unicorn.
Nishant Shekar - Voice (IND)
Nishant is a versatile vocalist and composer, known for winning IIT Bombay’s Mood Indigo and Muscat Idol 2014. Raised in Oman, he was inspired to pursue music early on. Trained in both Indian Classical and Western contemporary styles, he blends genres like jazz, blues, pop, and RnB. A Berklee College of Music graduate, Nishant has worked with renowned artists such as Tigran Hamasyan, Salim Suleman, and Usher, performing at prestigious venues like MGM Music Hall and Agganis Arena. He also specializes in media scoring, arranging, and vocal production
George Lernis - Frame Drum
George Lernis, a Cypriot-born percussionist and composer, fuses Middle Eastern and Mediterranean traditions with jazz. Educated at Berklee College of Music, he has collaborated with jazz luminaries like John Patitucci and Antonio Sanchez. His 2022 album, "Between Two Worlds," features Patitucci and reflects on immigrant experiences. Lernis also founded Anatoliama INC, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Greek musical traditions
Amaury Carbral - Electric Guitar (DOM)
Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, studied music at the National Conservatory of Music of Santo Domingo and Berklee College of Music. He has performed with notable artists such as Randy Brecker, Nate Smith, Geoffrey Keezer, Terri Lyne Carrington, Tia Fuller and Etienne Charles among others, and remains an active performer in New England.
Stephi Weninger - Rhodes, Synth (AUT)
Born in eastern Austria, Stephanie Weninger is a versatile pianist and keyboardist with a Master's degree in Keyboard Instruments Popular Music. Active in Vienna's jazz and popular music scene, she leads her own quartet and performs with various bands, including Orjazztra Vienna, at renowned venues like Saalfelden Jazz Festival. Weninger has collaborated with diverse artists and orchestras, participated in musical productions like "Jesus Christ Superstar," and played in live TV bands. She also teaches piano and keyboard privately.
PAOLO PERUZZI – Vibraphone (ITA)
Praised by NEA Jazz Master Terri Lyne Carrington as a vibraphonist with the curiosity to push jazz forward, Paolo Peruzzi (b. 1994, Verona, Italy) is also described by Kris Davis as “extraordinarily talented, hardworking, and supportive.” A graduate of Arrigo Pedrollo Music Conservatory (2019) and Berklee College of Music (’23), he was part of the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice. He is also the awardee of the inaugural 'Tomorrow’s Jazz' competition by Veneto Jazz.
Jean Strauss - Tenor Saxophone (RSA)
Cape Town born saxophonist and Berklee College of Music scholarship student. His drive led to steady and rapid growth and development in his craft.
He has performed with renowned musicians like Tia Fuller and George Garzone, Kendrick Scott, Mimi Jones and is dedicated to mentoring aspiring musicians.
Esli Honore - Synth, Organ (HAI)
Esli Honore, a Haitian pianist and organist, has been passionate about music since childhood, performing in church and exploring classical, jazz, Latin Caribbean, and gospel. Inspired by Haitian and Dominican traditions, he pioneered "Haitian Jazz," blending cultural influences. He studied at the Dominican Republic National Conservatory before earning a Presidential Scholarship to Berklee College of Music. A versatile performer, producer, and composer, Esli excels in Contemporary Writing & Production and plans to join the Berklee Global Jazz program.
Siphe Vundla - Voice (RSA)
Sphe Vundla, born in Umlazi, Durban, is a dynamic marketing executive and accomplished vocalist. He began his career at Nedbank as Group Digital Manager before joining South African Breweries (SAB) in 2018. At SAB, he rapidly advanced, becoming Corporate Brand Director in 2021. Vundla has led notable campaigns, including the Castle Lager British and Irish Lions Tour, and received SAB's Luminary Award for his outstanding contributions.
Ciara Moser - Electric & Acoustic Bass (AUT)
Ciara, a blind Austrian-Irish bassist, is a versatile musician with a Master’s in jazz performance from Berklee College of Music and a master’s degree in music pedagogy. She has performed globally with Danilo Perez and other renowned artists, and released her debut album, “Blind. So What?” in 2023, which received critical acclaim and awards. Ciara's talent has earned her numerous accolades, and she is currently a performer, recording artist, and faculty member at Berklee College of Music.
Simon Manana - Alto Saxophone (RSA)
Simon is a talented South African saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer based in New York City, has collaborated with renowned artists like Nduduzo Makhathini and Kendrick Scott. A Manhattan School of Music alumnus, he has graced prestigious venues and festivals, including Dizzy's Jazz Club and the Joy of Jazz Festival. Simon is currently working on his debut album, which will explore the intricate cultural landscape of his generation in South Africa.
NALEDI - Voice (RSA)
NALEDI is a South African-born, New York-based vocalist, composer, and teaching artist, internationally recognized with multiple award nominations. Blending jazz with African storytelling, dance, and spoken word, she captivates audiences worldwide. Fluent in over seven languages, she has performed at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, and the Kennedy Center. Recently, she toured as a featured artist with Hans Zimmer Live '24. Her debut EP BATHO was released in summer '24.
Desiree Tay - Percussion (SGP)
Desiree is a dynamic percussionist whose 17-year musical journey began in 2007 with her school band. She has studied under industry legends like Marcelo Woloski (Snarky Puppy) and Erik Hargrove (James Brown). Her versatile career includes performances at major festivals such as the Singapore Jazz Festival and Boston Calling, and collaborations with artists like JJ Lin and Stefanie Sun. She currently excels in artist relations at Fatfreq, a Singapore-based in-ear monitor company, while continuing her passion for performing.
Tim Lengfeld - Mastering
Tim Lengfeld is a mastering engineer based in Somerset West, South Africa. Having been in the industry since 1999, his craft and experience have allowed him to lend his ear to countless hit albums and singles from across the continent. From 2016 to 2021, he lectured the mastering module at the SAE Institute in Cape Town, and is currently the mastering lecturer at the Abbey Road Institute in Johannesburg.
Production Team:
Lumanyano Mzi - Producer & Artist
All compositions written and arranged by Lumanyano Mzi,
Pre-Production & Post Production
Namisa Mdlalose Bizana - Sampling Director (RSA)
Namisa Mdlalose is a South African actress and theatre-maker from Cape Town, now residing in Boston, MA. A University of Cape Town graduate, she has excelled in multiple disciplines, including writing, directing, and performance. Her accolades include the 2020 Fleur du Cap Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for her role as Lauren in "Kinky Boots" and an Ovation Award at the 2020 National Arts Festival for the experimental film "Girl." Notable performances include roles in "King Kong," "The Color Purple," and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Pantomime."
Greg DiCosta - Recording Engineer - Fire House 12 Studios (USA)
Firehouse 12 boasts a classic API Legacy Plus console, a Studer A827 2" analog tape recorder, and a ProTools HDX system with PrismSound converters. Renovated in 2022, its acoustically-designed recording rooms by John Storyk and Gray Organschi Architecture include a 1,200 sq. ft. Live Room and three isolation booths. The studio features top-tier instruments like a 9' Steinway Hamburg Model 'D' piano, Hammond A-100, Fender Rhodes Suitcase 73, and more. Contact the studio manager for more information.
Dave Langeman - Mixing Engineer (RSA)
Dave Langemann is a South African audio engineer known for his work on award-winning projects. He was the tracking engineer for Freshlyground’s Ma’Cheri, which won multiple South African Music Awards, including Album of the Year in 2008. He also recorded Mantombi Matotiyana: Songs of Greeting, Healing and Heritage with the Africa Open Institute. His technical contributions span various releases, including Innosense, and his expertise is well-documented across platforms like Discogs and Spotify.
HILLOC - Editing Engineer & Post Prod.(AUS)
As an Audio Producer-Engineer who graduated from Berklee College of Music, Boston, HILLOC serves as a bridge between the creative and connective. Born in Hong Kong and raised in Busselton, Western Australia, they continue to ply their trade in Melbourne. Often found behind the scenes, they have engineered instrumental projects by artists such as Lorenzo Bellini (Italy, Pianist-Composer), Ciara Moser (Austria, Bassist), and The Tiger Wizard (United States, Drummer).
Isaac Romagosa - Additional Arrangements & Pre Production
Ian Cardosa - Recording Session Videography
Elia Ma - Recording Session Photography & Video