Image: Daniel Rutland Manners
PROFILE
The Unity Band brings together some of the hottest young performers of their generation, a diverse collective who revel in creating new music exploring the rich and vibrant cultural diversity of South Africa. Rooted in jazz and inspired by a multitude of genres, this 8-piece Cape Town-based ensemble has a fresh musical identity with elements of hip hop, salsa, funk, poetry, and at its core, a contemporary African sound.
The Unity Band was founded by drummer and vocalist, Lumanyano “Unity” Mzi, with fellow students at the South African College of Music (University of Cape Town). Now all graduated and in demand as professional performers in their own rights, each member forms an integral part of The Unity Band. The group's debut album 'Fabric' was released to critical and audience acclaim in 2019, and there is much anticipation for their next record. The Unity Band are a stellar band to watch!
The Unity Band Live @ The Silo Jazz Series - Onset of Dawn
The Unity Band Live @ The Silo Jazz Series - Onset of Dawn
The Unity Band Performs “Buy’ eKhaya” (Come Home)
The Unity Band Performs “Onset of Dawn”
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
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Up the Creek Festival, SA (2020)
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Jack Parow & The Unity Band Live at the Daisy Jones (2020)
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Selected for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival & Sanlam Jazz Festival (2020) - Both postponed due to Covid
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Mzantzi Jazz Award for Best Newcomers in Jazz (2019)
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Performance on the nationally syndicated Expresso Morning Show
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Top 5 in the annual espAfrika Young Legends Competition (2019)
DISCOGRAPHY
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Fabric - Unity Band (2019)
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Featured on Brasskaap Vol 3 - McCoy Mrubata (2019)
Upcoming:
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New Album: Breaking Bread, release date TBA
PERFORMANCE FORMAT OPTIONS
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8 piece band
USUAL BAND LINE-UP
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Thandeka Dladla - Lead Vocals
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Lumanyano Mzi - Drums & Backing Vocals
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Stephen de Souza - Double and Electric Bass, Backing Vocals
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Lonwabo Mafani - Piano
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Lilavan Gangen - Percussion
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Ofenstse Moshwetsi - Alto Saxophone
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Marco Maritz - Trumpet
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Dylan Fine - Guitar