4 June 2025, Cape Town, South Africa – One of South Africa’s most exciting jazz exports, Lumanyano Mzi, returns home this July for a powerful two-city tour in celebration of his new album Ithemba Elitsha – A New Hope, which will be released on 4 July.
A Berklee College of Music graduate, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer, Mzi has been living and working between Boston and New York City for the past five years, carving out a global reputation for musical brilliance rooted in resilience, spirituality, and social justice. Ithemba Elitsha is his boldest statement yet, and the first solo album and third as a bandleader, composer and producer. It is a deeply personal and richly layered body of work that fuses jazz, African rhythms, reggae and soul, anchored by a transcendent sense of hope.
The album is not only a sonic journey, but also a narrative of Mzi’s life – from his early days in Delft, Cape Town, first sitting behind the drums at the age of six, to touring with musical icons before finishing high school, to co-founding the award-winning, The Unity Band, and finally to pursuing global excellence on the world stage. This project is a tribute to community, faith, and the power of dreams.
Joining him on tour are his formidable international collaborators:
- Simon Manana – SA-born saxophonist, now based in the USA
- Jean Strauss – SA-born saxophonist, also USA-based
- Ciara Moser – bassist, Dublin-born and Vienna-raised, currently in the USA
- Kevin Harris – acclaimed American pianist
- Isaac Romagosa – Spain-born drummer and percussionist based in the USA.
Together, this multinational ensemble breathes life into a shared vision of global harmony and spiritual upliftment – resonating deeply with the meaning of Mzi’s own name: Lumanyano meaning ‘Unity’.
Tour Dates:
10 July – Youngblood Gallery, Cape Town with special guests, Thandeka Dladla & Namisa Mdlalose
12 July – Untitled Basement, Johannesburg, with special guest, Spha Mdlalose
This limited tour offers South African audiences a rare opportunity to experience a world-class performance, led by one of their own, before the ensemble returns to international stages.
“This album is for the dreamers,” says Lumanyano. “It’s a beacon of new hope – for South Africa, for the world. I want people to leave these shows feeling inspired, moved, and reminded that beauty can still be made from uncertainty.”
Ithemba Elitsha – A New Hope – the album, releases globally on 4 July with a single, Lioness released on 6 June. This is followed by the release of Child of ’76 on 13 June in time for South Africa’s Youth Day on the 16th. It is a musical reflection of defiance, courage, and imagination and a poignant reminder of where the country has come from, and how far it has to go.
Lumanyano “Mzi” Bizana is a South African-born, New York-based award-winning drummer, composer, producer, and bandleader.
Born in Cape Town, Lumanyano’s musical journey began at the age of six when his curiosity led him to sneak out of his home to watch his father’s reggae band rehearse. That night, fate intervened when he stepped in for the missing drummer, impressing his father with his natural talent. From that moment, his passion for music flourished, shaped by the sounds of reggae, jazz, African music, and gospel, which deeply influenced his self-taught drumming style.
He went on to formalise his training at the University of Cape Town’s South African College of Music, graduating in 2017. Seeking to expand his musical horizons, he moved to the United States in 2021 to study at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, where he graduated in 2024.
With an extensive performance history alongside renowned local and international artists, Lumanyano continues to push creative boundaries. Whether on stage or in the studio, he remains a dynamic and collaborative force in the global music scene, dedicated to innovation and artistic growth. Artist worked with include: Larry Klien, Sona Jobarteh, Terry Lyne Carrington, Kris Davis, Freshly Ground, Mandisi Dyantyis, Maquis Hill, Elena Pinderhughes, Sibongile Khumalo, McCoy Mrubata, Judith Sephuma, Ruth Tafebe, Luciano, Eric Donaldson, Half pint, Everton Blender, Nando Michelin, Gloria Bosman, Turbulance, Jah Mason, Tyron Downie, Drie Manskap, Micheal Bester, Cedric “Congo” Myton, N8N, Meta & The Cornerstones, Pam Hall, to name a few.
Lumanyano has been a household name in the industry and is now making his strides in the “big apple” New York, USA where he is currently based.
Website: https://www.lumanyanomzi.com/
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.
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.
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.
Website: https://www.ciara-moser.com/
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.
Website: https://kevinharrisproject.com/
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.
