Mdu Mtshali

Mduduzi Mtshali was born with a talent that was soon to be discovered. He started performing at a very tender age. The highly acclaimed gifted South Africa’s pianist/composer/producer and arranger originates from Kwa-Thema, Ekurhuleni east of Johannesburg.

He had found his natural niche and pursued his Music Education through the University of Cape Town completing his Jazz Performance Diploma, It was during this time there when his career started taking off. Also recently graduated with a BA (Honours Degree) from Wits University, where he is also currently studying for his Master’s Degree. His astonishing talents paved way for him and he found himself sharing the world’s big stages with the likes of Sibongile Khumalo, Selaelo Selota, Bheki Khoza, Themba Mkhize, To name just a few at home. He has also proudly shared the stage with well known renowned artists internationally including Wynton Marsalis, Dee dee Bridgewater, Richard Bona, Rahsaan Patterson and Phil Perry.

As an arranger whilst at College Mdu arranged songs for the UCT Big Band and also got a chance to perform with the UCT Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2008 he produced his debut album for a jazz vocalist called MIMI, that album went on to win two awards as the Best Jazz Album of the year which made him to be a very sought after producer in this Genre and other Genres having Produced for the likes of Tshepo Tshola, Theo Kgosinkwe, Sibongile Khumalo, Simphiwe Dana whom he had a stint Tour with in Europe. Mdu is currently assigned to arrange music for Choral Choirs backed by an Orchestra at Arts Cape in Cape Town and in different venues around the country . In 2009 had an opportunity to perform with Phil Perry and Rahsaan Patterson at the Joy Of Jazz Festival. Also worked with Sibongile Khumalo at the Shanghai Festival, China in 2010, Luanda Jazz Festival, Joy Of Jazz Festival in 2011 and many other Festivals around the world and is still her musical director. He was part of the Music Team for the 2013 AFCON’s Opening and Closing Ceremonies respectively where he worked with artists such as; Oumou Sangare, Lira, Siphokazi, Ringo, Micasa and many others as an Arranger, Composer and Director. Mdu is currently part of the workshops around Gauteng for the UNISA International Jazz School which was launched late last year.

This talented musician will be often seen on big stages playing assorted Jazz-incredible selection of songs, Classics from the repertoire of the most terrific pianists of the 20th century; Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson, Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk of whom he did a play at the Windybrow Theatre celebrating his music. Mdu is simply a ‘Prodigy’ in the Jazz scene following incredibles like Winston Mankunku Ngozi, Bheki Mseleku, Kippie Moeketsi etc, but it’s also through his arranging and producing that he has made a mark for himself in the industry.