Born and raised in Gqeberha, Mandisi grew up singing in church and
began playing the trumpet at age 8.
He attended the University of Cape Town, where he joined the
institution’s Big Band. In 2005, Mandisi emerged from the University
of Cape Town with a BMus Honors Degree in Jazz Studies.
In 2024, he earned his Masters degree with distinction. Mandisi has
performed with acclaimed musicians including Jimmy Dludlu, the
Abdullah Ibrahim Big Band, Robbie Jansen, Max Vidima and Moreira
Chonguiça.
Since 2006, he has toured the world with the Isango Ensemble
Theatre Company, for which he is an associate director and musical
director.