The Jazz Session #570: Mandisi Dyantyis

Mandisi Dyantyis is a South African trumpeter and vocalist hailing from Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape. I should be impartial and journalistic in my description of all my guests but I’ve never been one to favour professionalism over enthusiasm. Mandisi is one of my favourite South African musicians and composers. A self-proclaimed “choir boy”, he finally released his debut album “Somandla” in 2018 after decades working as the musical director for Isango Ensemble. The wait was worth it. He manages to balance superb songwriting, with classic jazz improvisation, and a live performance energy which inevitably results in audience members singing along, getting up off their seats to dance, so moved by the music. His concerts sell out in seconds (I’m not exaggerating here) and the degree to which he’s adored by South African audiences is both awesome and richly deserved. So I was very eager to have Mandisi on the podcast, in an attempt to share his music with many more people. Show Notes: Tracks played: – Kuse Kude – Molweni – Molo Sisi – Somandla – Ingoma Yenkedama – Ndimthanda Somandla is available online South African musicians mentioned: Nomfundo Xaluva Bokani Dyer Thandi Ntuli Theme music by The Respect Sextet Follow The Jazz Session on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Subscribe to The Jazz Session’s YouTube Channel Support The Jazz Session by becoming a member at Patreon. For $5 a month you’ll get a weekly bonus episode called Track of the Week, plus early access to every show. For $10 a month you get all that plus an extra monthly bonus episode of “The Insider”, a spin-off interview series where Nicky chats to jazz industry insiders (broadcasters, artist agents, label heads, journalists) about the nuts and bolts of the business.