Mpumi Dhlamini

BIO

Multi-Instrumentalist | Award-Winning Producer | Composer | NACA Outstanding Musician 2025

Mpumi Dhlamini is a dynamic multi-instrumentalist, award-winning producer, composer, and music director, celebrated for his innovative approach to jazz and cross-genre musical exploration. In 2025, he was honored with the NACA Award for Outstanding Musician, cementing his place as one of South Africa’s most influential contemporary voices.

Over the course of his career, Dhlamini has collaborated with top-tier artists including ProVerb, Zwai Bala, Jimmy Dludlu, and Lira, while producing acclaimed projects for Wanda Baloyi, Brian Temba, Kabomo, Zama Jobe, and Sphelelo Mazibu ko.

Recent Performances & Workshops (2024–2025):

• Standard Bank Joy of Jazz (2024): Featured performer at one of South Africa’s premier jazz festivals.

• Umnyano Weh Jazz 2025 – Robert Sobukwe Centenary: Honored the legacy of Robert Sobukwe through a powerful musical tribute.

• Diamond City Jazz Festival 2025: His debut solo performance in Botswana

• Durban Tour (2024): Brought his sound to new audiences across Durban.

• Jazz Workshops for Young Musicians: Led educational sessions at UKZN, CJC, and NSA, mentoring and inspiring the next generation of jazz artists.

Film & TV Scoring:
Dhlamini’s compositions have featured across prominent television series, including:

• UBettina Wethu (Seasons 3 & 4) – Composer and scorer.

• Afropop Nation (Season 2, 2024) – Music Director for the Mzansi Magic documentary series.

• Sesame Street (Seasons 13–18, from 2022) – Composer and Musical Director.

Discography:
A versatile recording artist, Dhlamini has released four distinctive studio albums:

• Combined Elements (2007) – His Sony BMG debut featuring Fana Zulu, Victor Masondo, Carlo Mombelli, and Vusi Khumalo.

• Note to Self (2018) – A self-produced album where he performed all instruments and vocals.

• Imvuselelo (2022) – A fusion of swing, blues, and indigenous African sounds, released independently.

• Nebula Nomad (2024) – A vocal-driven project featuring collaborations with Tshepo Mngoma, Ayo Solanke, Keke Lingo, and more.

He is currently developing projects with Jimmy Dludlu, Wanda Baloyi, Kabomo, Morayks Mphahlele, Lebo Mashile, Adam Glasser, Shaluza Max Mtambo, and Tlale Makhene.

Musical Direction & Production:
Mpumi has an extensive background in musical direction and production, including:

• Lira’s Celebration DVD (2009–2011) – Winner of Best DVD at the South African Music Awards.

• Live AMP (SABC 1, 2013) – Music Director.

• Mzantsi Jazz Awards (2020) – Producer and Creative Director.

• Afropop Nation (Season 2, 2024) – Co-Producer and Music Director.

Entrepreneurship & Brand Ambassadorship:
In 2015, Dhlamini founded MoBlaq Productions, his independent record label, after serving as Label Manager and Head of A&R at TMP Records. His influence in the music industry was further recognized in 2024 when he was appointed as a Roland Ambassador.