Louis Mhlanga was born November 10, 1956 in Harare. He is a South Africa-based Zimbabwean award-winning guitarist and producer. Mhlanga taught himself playing the guitar at a tender age and is considered one of the best Southern African guitarists.
Mhlanga’s career began in the 1970s. Fronting many bands in Zimbabwe he mixed American and Zimbabwean influences into his music. Mhlanga became renowned for his guitar skills and worked with Zimbabwean acts such as Shaka Talking Drum, Ilanga Mudzimu and Oliver Mtukudzi. Louis eventually headed to South Africa to pursue different musical opportunities leading to collaborations with renowned South African artists such as Hugh Masekela, Ray Phiri, Sipho Mabuse, Mlunhgisi Gegane, and Busi Mhlongo.
He has produced albums byThomas Mapfumo NigerianKing Sunny Ade South African musician Vusi Mahlasela and many other artists. A former director of musical theater, Mhlanga also ran Zimbabwe’s Ethnomusicology Trust where he was in charge of developing national teaching programs for traditional and contemporary Zimbabwean music. He also spent a year in the Netherlands. As the musician-in-residence at the Royal Dutch Conservatory of Music Mhlanga taught African guitar courses and eventually recorded several albums with bassist Eric Van Der Westen.
In 2005 he released the album “World Traveller” where he combined South African music with influences form other parts of Africa and the Caribbean. Guests included Orchestra Baobab (Senegal) and Ernest Ranglin (Jamaica).
Discography:
Song For Nomsa (EWM, 1998)
Live At The Bassline (BMG Africa, 1999)
To Be Continued… (EWM, 2000)
Shamwari (Sheer Sound, 2001)
Keeping The Dream (EWM, 2002)
Things Just Happen (Sheer Sound, 2003)
World Traveller (Sheer Sound, 2005)
Stories (Marabi Productions, 2006)
Tiri Vaviri (EWM, 2008)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.