Mngwandi Quintet

Mngwandi Quartet is a producer, composer, bassist, scholar and storyteller from

Jimmy has over the decades established himself as one of South Africa’s finest and in-demand bassist - Despite his associations of different bass instruments with certain genres - from double bass bass guitar electric bass to acoustic bass), he remains in-demand both in South Africa and in the USA as he lives between both continents.

It all started at tender age of 11 years old, playing bass on the streets of Townships here in South Africa . This Prodigy was discovered whilst playing a guitar constructed out of an oil tin and wood - the young Mngwandi made his way to Johannesburg where he etched his name as a game changing bassist.

Today, he is among South Africa’s most sought after bassists, writers and producers, He has performed with the Iconic Mirium Makeba, Hugh Masekela, saxophonist David Murray, flutist Yusef Lateef, bassist Rufus Reid, Jamaican Gutarist Ernest Ranglin , Sbongile Khumalo and a long list of legends- in his career he has written and recorded platinum CDs for Sony/South Africa, Bongo Maffin, Brothers of Peace and Simphiwe Dana’s album, Bantu Biko Street. Mngwandi has also recorded his own album, with the EMI/South Africa group Bezwaan. Artists Jimmy has worked and recorded with are Bheki Mselek, Steve Dyer, Moses Khumalo, Will Calhoun, Macus Bailor, BB Winans, Chantè Moore Essence Awards, Diana Ross, Brandy on Oprah Winfrey, Lenore Raphael and Andile Yenana
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He is currently playing with his band members Mdu Mtshali, Sphiwe Shiburi, Sydney Mnisi & Mzamo Bhengu.

‘What gives me staying power and resilience in the arts is my 3 P’s - Perspiration , Passion and Perseverance …I just love making music that’s me, ‘ says Jimmy MNGWANDI