YONELA MNANA
BEHIND THE KEYS
Yonela Mnana is a South African jazz pianist, singer, composer, music teacher and researcher whose practice brings together performance, composition, music education and scholarly research.
Mnana has performed in South Africa and internationally. His collaborations and performances have included Herbie Tsoaeli, Marcus Wyatt, Zoe Modiga, Barney Rachabane, Bheki Khoza and Mandla Mlangeni, among others.
In 2016, he released his debut album, Baba, marking an important stage in the development of his recorded work.
His work reflects an ongoing interest in the relationship between musical heritage, contemporary performance, teaching and the documentation of South African musical knowledge.
MNANA MUSICOLOGY
Mnana Musicology is a working platform for music education, research, and community engagement. It holds the educational and social dimension of the practice, creating space for learning, reflection, and shared musical experience.
Its work moves across education, mentorship, research, and community. Through engagement with schools and young musicians, it approaches music as a lived practice; something carried, developed, and sustained over time. Research remains ongoing, grounded in South African music traditions, with a focus on documentation, reflection, and continuation.
In practice, this takes form through school-based programmes, choir development, workshops, and collaborative sessions with emerging musicians.
For partnerships, funding, and collaboration, please get in touch.
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LIVE SHOWS
