Lumanyano Mzi’s homecoming tour to mark his debut album "Ithemba Elitsha" and a new musical chapter

Few artists embody the intersection of technical mastery and emotional depth quite like Lumanyano Mzi. A drummer, composer, producer, and award-winning force in contemporary jazz and beyond, Mzi has steadily carved out an international presence. His artistry, grounded in Cape Town’s rich sonic legacy and sharpened by his time at Berklee College of Music, now culminates in his much-anticipated debut solo album, Ithemba Elitsha.

Set against the backdrop of a world still finding its footing, Ithemba Elitsha, which translates to “a new hope”, is both a personal reckoning and a collective call for renewal. As Mzi prepares to bring this deeply introspective project home for a national tour, he invites us into the journey: one marked by departure, discovery, and a powerful return. We sat down with the artist to talk about the emotional gravity of his homecoming, the creative spirit that fuels his sound, and what “new hope” means in a time of uncertainty and change.

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GLAMOUR: You're returning to South Africa for your first solo offering since moving to the U.S.—what emotions are tied to this homecoming tour?

Lumanyano Mzi: So many emotions! I'm overjoyed, a bit nervous, proud—but above all, I feel humbled and deeply excited to bring this music home to the place that birthed both my personal and musical identity. It’s a full-circle moment. What makes it even more special is that I get to bring the people I've journeyed and performed with over the past four years to my home, they'll get to see where I come from. Sharing this experience with some of the most important people in my life makes me incredibly emotional. I'm just so grateful.

GLAMOUR: Your July tour will showcase music from your upcoming album Ithemba Elitsha—can you share the story behind the album’s title and what “new hope” means to you personally?

Lumanyano Mzi: The album is a culmination of my experience these past few years - from getting married and leaving home during COVID, to moving to a new country as a newlywed, starting school again, and navigating this new life on foreign land. It was born from a deep period of introspection, where I asked myself what this milestone truly meant.

Lumanyano Mzi, Image:Instagram/@lumanyano_mzi

At the same time in my observation of how the world is riddled with existential angst and uncertainty, I felt that we needed “A New Hope”. And for me navigating the hardships of being an international student, having funding issues, not knowing what was going to happen next, Ithemba Elitsha showed up through friendship, community and prayers from the people whom I regard as family, and the seeds of hope they have all planted in my story and life's journey.

GLAMOUR: How did your foundational training at the South African College of Music shape your early development, and how did it prepare you for Berklee?

Lumanyano Mzi: Studying at SACM was an incredible experience. I entered without any formal music training and didn’t really know what to expect. But I came from a musical family, surrounded by mentors and friends who played a big role in shaping me. Getting accepted into SACM felt unreal. Originally, I had planned to do a foundation year before entering the jazz program, but I aced the placement test and jumped straight into first year. That said, I struggled with the jazz theory course and ended up failing it. But I wasn’t disappointed, in fact, I saw that year as the foundation I’d initially expected. It gave me a much clearer understanding of jazz harmony and helped tighten the nuts and bolts of my musical knowledge.

I had only heard about Berklee during my first year at SACM, when my teachers planted the seed: “Berklee would be great for you.” That dream was further affirmed by Berklee professors who visited South Africa and even wrote me recommendations. Compared to SACM, Berklee was a much larger institution with more access and variety. It introduced me to areas like contemporary writing and production—things I didn’t have access to before, and I ran with those opportunities.

GLAMOUR: How did your time at Berklee influence the direction of Ithemba Elitsha?

Lumanyano Mzi: I love this question. Berklee is like a global musician’s convention, it’s basically Wonderland for musicians. The incredible artistry that the students and teachers bring is amazing. I don’t think there are many schools like Berklee that embrace both the conservatory and contemporary style of music education. Coming from Cape Town as a session musician- playing all styles of music, the space brought me joy because it allowed me to embrace the eclectic nature of my musical upbringing. I'm from Ekasi and the music loudness wars are real, this neighbhour will be blasting “Lusanda Mcinga” while ta Biza in the corner is playing “Trompies”,“Winston” and “Lucky Dube”- and there is no such thing as a noise complaint. The practice rooms at Berklee are just like that a beautiful, chaotic blend of sounds and disciplines. So with “ITHEMBA ELITSHA” I did not filter my compositional process, I didn’t put perimeters or limitations. I just drew from my experience whilst gleaning from my peers, mentors and teachers.

GLAMOUR: You’ve experienced two vibrant jazz cultures. How would you compare the scenes in South Africa and the United States—particularly Cape Town vs. Boston?

Lumanyano Mzi: I think they are both similar but operate differently. Boston has a lot of schools, its essentially one large student city which means it’s also a transient city. There are a lot of brilliant musicians by the numbers who come in and out to study at schools like Berklee, NEC, Harvard and more.So the jazz scene there is global and ever-changing, filled with musicians from China, Ghana, Kenya, Germany, Spain, Iran—you name it. Cape Town, on the other hand, is smaller in scale but just as rich in spirit and mastery. In South Africa, music is deeply tied to storytelling and community. It’s not just about technical skill—it’s about capturing the spirit of the people and their experiences.

Boston has more jazz venues, which makes performance more accessible, but I think Cape Town’s strength lies in the heart and intention behind its music. Musicians everywhere face the same challenges, but the way we respond—through collaboration and storytelling—is uniquely South African.

GLAMOUR: Do you feel your South African musical identity has evolved or deepened while being immersed in the American scene?

Lumanyano Mzi: Yes I do. Being on the “outside” has given me an advantageous perspective. I’ve been able to view myself, my music, and my heritage from a global standpoint. It’s deepened my resolve to remain true and authentic in every space I enter. Being in America made me realize how little the world knows about South African music. Sharing and teaching my musical heritage to fellow students has strengthened my roots even more. I’ve learned, exchanged, borrowed, and given ideas, but my foundation remains proudly South African.

GLAMOUR: As both a drummer and a composer, how do rhythm and melody interact in your creative process? Do you start with a groove, a feeling, or a melodic idea?

Lumanyano Mzi: Most of the time, they happen simultaneously. Usually, it starts with a feeling that becomes a melody. I sing a lot, always humming or beatboxing, either out loud or in my head. You should see my voice memo app!

Because I play multiple instruments, each one brings out a different approach. When I’m behind the drums, I’m thinking rhythmically. But when I’m at the piano, guitar, or bass, I tend to think more melodically and harmonically. Still, the creative process is very interconnected for me.

GLAMOUR: What part of your upcoming tour are you most looking forward to?

Lumanyano Mzi: First and foremost, being home, seeing friends, family, and showing my new chosen family the beauty of South Africa that I’ve been hyping up for the past 5 years. It really feels like a reunion.

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Playing in Makhanda is going to be very special because it’s where I attended my first youth jazz festival. That trip inspired me to write my first instrumental jazz song, “Trails, The Unity Band,” in 2016. Cape Town will feel like coming home, a joyful, emotional reunion. Joburg holds a special place in my heart too. I’ve performed there before, but this will be the first time I bring my own project to a stage like Untitled Basement, which is huge for me.

I’m also stepping away from my tour briefly to join my mentor and professor, Kevin Harris, at the Stellenbosch Festival. I’ll be performing in the premiere of his symphonic work Light and Resonance (Biko). Being part of that moment is an honour, and I’m excited to share in it, and most of all excited to share my music with my home and my people.

GLAMOUR: Can fans expect any special appearances or collaborations from your old crew- The Unity Band?

Lumanyano Mzi: Of course! There will be some special guests on tour, but I’ll just say this—you definitely don’t want to miss the Cape Town show.

GLAMOUR: With Ithemba Elitsha, what message are you hoping to share with young South African artists and listeners navigating their own creative journeys?

Lumanyano Mzi: Creativity isn’t insular, even if we create alone, what we do is inherently collaborative. Be open. Collaborate with everyone. That’s how you learn, not just what you like, but who you are, dreams are special, share them with those you find special. The people in your ecosystem will be the hope you need when hope is lost.