Papa Ndu

Papa Ndu real name Ndumiso Manana, is a multi-award-winning Songwriter and Music Producer, who has been practicing the art of music in various formats as a multi skilled creator for more than twenty years.

Born and bred in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, South Africa, Papa Ndu has been employed by various entities in the music production and broadcast industries.

He has further acquired his own recording studio which he uses for his own personal business operations, as well as a training facility used to develop artists from across the country.

His interest and passion for the development of artists has led him to provide mentorship and coaching to a number of artists who have become well-known brands within the music industry.

Papa Ndu has acquired an Advanced Digital Music Production Certificate from Emendy Multi Media Institute, in Pretoria.

Papa Ndu has worked with great musicians and artists in the Gospel music industry, including going on tour to Zimbabwe with the renowned legend Steve Kekana in 1997.

As a songwriter he has written songs and featured well known artists like Sipho Makhabane, Margaret Motsage, Neyi Zimu, Takie Ndou, Redeemed, Putuma Tiso, Mabongi Mabaso, Tshwane Gospel Choir, Nothando Hlophe, Zaza Mokhethi, Keneiloe Hope, and Tebello Sukwene.

Papa Ndu released his debut Album titled “My heart expressions The Songwriter’s Offering Vol 1” in 2015, which featured some of the big names in the gospel music industry including the award winning Redeemed, Neyi Zimu, Ayo Solanke, Tebello Sukwene, and Putuma Tiso.

The album went on to win an SABC Crown Gospel Award, as well as four Mpumalanga Gospel Music Awards.

The Album was followed by two Singles; Wenhliziyo yami featuring Nothando Hlophe, which won the Best Songwriter award in 2017 at the Mpumalanga Gospel music Awards, and I’m going forward, nominated for Best collaboration at the 2020 Independent Gospel Music Awards

His next offering is a Live DVD recorded at the Lyric theatre in Johannesburg in February 2020, which features a star-studded line up, and titled The Songwriter’s offering Vol 2.

This Album was followed by his soon to be released Album titled The Songwriter’s Offering Vol 3 which features great Gospel Artists including Takie Ndou, Thobeka Ramaloko, Takalani Chairo, and Nomakhuze Ndabula.

Papa Ndu has most recently released a powerful book titled The Church Musician, which is aimed at enhancing the relationship between musicians and church leaders. This was prompted by his long service at his local church spurning close to 30 years. Papa Ndu is married to Refiloe Manana, and they’ve been blessed with 3 kids Khanya, Tumisho, and Mnqobi.