Based: Cape Town

Mandla Mlangeni is a Soweto-born trumpeter, composer and bandleader known for his distinctive voice in contemporary South African jazz. A graduate of the University of Cape Town’s South African College of Music, he has built a respected career as a performer, arranger and composer, leading acclaimed projects including the Amandla Freedom Ensemble and the Tune Recreation Committee.

Recognised as the 2019 Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz, Mlangeni has performed extensively in South Africa and internationally, and has collaborated with celebrated musicians such as Hugh Masekela, Feya Faku, David Murray, Evan Parker and Shabaka Hutchings. His work is deeply rooted in South African history, identity and social consciousness, while remaining adventurous, energetic and musically expansive.

Through the Amandla Freedom Ensemble, Mlangeni has released award-winning and critically recognised music, including the SAMA-nominated Bhekisizwe and Oratorio of A Forgotten Youth, which won Best Jazz Album at the 2024 Metro FM Music Awards. His other ensemble, the Tune Recreation Committee, also received international attention when Voices of Our Vision was listed among The New York Times’ Best Albums of 2017.

Whether on festival stages, in theatre productions or in collaborative jazz settings, Mandla Mlangeni brings together powerful storytelling, technical excellence and a vibrant South African musical sensibility, making him a standout choice for concert programmes, festivals and curated cultural events.