MYELE MANZANZA – Two Chords & The Truth | Soho Radio Vinyl Sessions

The son of Congolese master percussionist, Sam Manzanza, Myele was introduced to the language of the drum and traditional African rhythms from an early age. As a child he performed on hand drums with his father who was also one of the first Africans to perform traditional African Afrobeat and High Life music in New Zealand, but it wasn’t until Myele was 14 that he started playing a kit.

Myele Manzanza – Drums Lewis Moody – Keys/Synths Seth Tackaberry – Bass

Recorded at 180 Studio w/ The Vinyl Factory & Soho Radio

Upon completion of high school Myele was awarded a scholarship to continue his music studies and went on to graduate from the New Zealand School Of Music with a Degree in Jazz performance in 2008. Since then Myele has gone on to become one of New Zealand’s leading exponent’s in his field. His dexterity and extensive skill as a drummer see him able to traverse styles seamlessly and his performances are always brilliantly captivating.

As a solo artist / band leader Myele is currently focussing on two performance incarnations, the hip hop/ electronic / funk productions that can be found on his solo debut are given life through the assembly of a group of top New Zealand talents, most of whom also feature on the album, the colourful and charismatic ‘Myele Manzanza & The Eclectic’.

To explore his passion for Jazz music Myele also formed The Myele Manzanza Trio whose modern and refreshing approach was recently debuted with their first international performances in Sydney and at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival opening for Los Angeles based maestro Miguel Atwood-Ferguson’s Ensemble. (NZ Music Comission)

Taken from his ‘Crisis & Opportunity, Vol.2 – Peaks’ album, Myele Manzana performs ‘Two Chords & The Truth’ for The Vinyl Factory & Soho Radio’s Vinyl Sessions at 180 Studios. A one-shot series where artists record direct-to-dubplate. One disc, one take, one shot.