Mandisi Dyantyis is a vocalist, trumpeteer and musical director known for his versatility in Jazz, Western Classical and African indigenous music, as well as his ability as a raconteur.

Now based in Cape Town, Dyantyis was born and raised in Port Elizabeth, where he began learning to play the trumpet at the age of 8. After graduating from UCT with a BMus Honours Degree in Jazz Studies, he went on to perform with numerous musicians of note, including Jimmy Dludlu, The Abdullah Ibrahim Big Band, Robbie Jansen, Max Vidima and Moreira Chonguica to name a few. He has produced, played and co-written on Nomfundo Xaluva’s multi award-winning albums KUSILE and From.Now.On.

Dyantyis currently holds the position of Musical Director for theatre company Isango Ensemble, previously known as Portobello. He has held this position since 2008 and has traveled around the world as its musical director. His position as director was nominated for the Los Angeles National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP) Award for Best Musical Director.

His first album Somandla was released in 2018. Described as “a deeply emotional story” by All Jazz Radio, the album makes use of Dyantyis’ work history with the Isango Ensemble and provides much promise for more to come.

Facebook: @jazzmusicsa
Twitter: @dmandisi
Instagram: @dmandisi