Born in South Africa (Durban) in a
traditionally rich Zulu heritage, Mlungisi
was raised by a family highly influenced
in Gospel Music.
His professional journey in the music industry, started when he recorded a live album with Joyous Celebration 2 and was a featured soloist. This is South Africa’s largest Choir and a multiple award-winning project at the South African Music Awards (SAMA Awards).
He gained a lot of experience within the recording industry while working in studio sessions and as a backing singer for many internationally award-winning projects. He also performed live with a number of platinum selling South African artists around this time, such as Sibongile Khumalo, Rebecca Malope, Vuyo Mokoena.
The album and “Parents House” are being added to FM radio globally. The music video released in conjunction with the single is bringing Erik significant rotation on MuchMusic, MuchVibe and MTV Canada. “Parent’s House” has since topped major play on commercial and independent radio in Canada and created a solid foundation to launch Erik to the world.
Beating out a pool of successful songwriters, “Parent’s House” was selected for the feature track of “Making It Big”, a television show that debuted in Spring to over 35 million households across Canada and the United States. With a number of cameo appearances on the series, Erik was given the opportunity to demonstrate his talents to a much larger audience, guaranteeing him the exposure to gain new fans on an international scale.
Coupled with rave reviews and hit songs, the album has been hailed with numerous gold and silver design awards at the New York Festival for CD design and the Art Director of Canada Design Show.
In 2007 the album charted globally and was top 40 on iTunes, went top 40 on the Australian National ARIA chart and went top 20 on the AIR Independent Charts. The album is one of RnB's top creepers for 2009. "There are just so many great tracks in this collection of songs it is hard to pick a favourite" as Erik says.
Mlungisi then worked with internationally acclaimed songstress “Miriam Makeba” (aka Mama Africa). As they toured around Europe and America, influences of Afro music and Western sounds were combined, which is evident in Mlus own sound. “It was through this experience that I learnt a lot about the rest of the world. I learnt that in music there are no boundaries, and realised that ‘the world is waiting’, and we ought to be ready and take charge to inspire.”
Mlungisi of Umlazi came to Australia as an original cast member of the Broadway musical production of the Lion King in 2003. Here he fulfilled a role as cast ensemble and featured soloist. “I had a beautifully enriching and developing experience.”
Mlu moved to London in 2007. Here he had the opportunity to perform the lead in Jason Robert Brown’s ‘Songs For A New World’ in the West End, and as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. Mlu got amazing reviews from mesmerised fans in all local papers in Scotland and was made to believe once more, “the world really is waiting.”
Mlungisi has now entered a chapter in his life, where he has to unmask and head for the centre stage. It was a matter of time. He has always been a sensational songwriter with immense passion to his craft, and effortless exquisite vocal abilities which will not fail to wow any crowds.
Mlu has just finished his debut album (Music Lovan Unity), in which he worked with a number of different producers around the world, thus ensuring a completely unique variety of textures, that includes the likes of PJ Morton (a Grammy award winning producer to: India Arie, Jagged Edge, Jermain Dupree, Monica).
This album is set to up the level of Rhythm and Blues, Soul and Afro music. Look out for the true talent the world is about to discover. 1st single (Do you Right) is blazing in Southern Africa and topped charts on the biggest national radio chart show, Metrofm Top40. Brace yourself and be ready for this rare treat, coming your way!! God Bless.
His professional journey in the music industry, started when he recorded a live album with Joyous Celebration 2 and was a featured soloist. This is South Africa’s largest Choir and a multiple award-winning project at the South African Music Awards (SAMA Awards).
He gained a lot of experience within the recording industry while working in studio sessions and as a backing singer for many internationally award-winning projects. He also performed live with a number of platinum selling South African artists around this time, such as Sibongile Khumalo, Rebecca Malope, Vuyo Mokoena.
The album and “Parents House” are being added to FM radio globally. The music video released in conjunction with the single is bringing Erik significant rotation on MuchMusic, MuchVibe and MTV Canada. “Parent’s House” has since topped major play on commercial and independent radio in Canada and created a solid foundation to launch Erik to the world.
Beating out a pool of successful songwriters, “Parent’s House” was selected for the feature track of “Making It Big”, a television show that debuted in Spring to over 35 million households across Canada and the United States. With a number of cameo appearances on the series, Erik was given the opportunity to demonstrate his talents to a much larger audience, guaranteeing him the exposure to gain new fans on an international scale.
Coupled with rave reviews and hit songs, the album has been hailed with numerous gold and silver design awards at the New York Festival for CD design and the Art Director of Canada Design Show.
In 2007 the album charted globally and was top 40 on iTunes, went top 40 on the Australian National ARIA chart and went top 20 on the AIR Independent Charts. The album is one of RnB's top creepers for 2009. "There are just so many great tracks in this collection of songs it is hard to pick a favourite" as Erik says.
Mlungisi then worked with internationally acclaimed songstress “Miriam Makeba” (aka Mama Africa). As they toured around Europe and America, influences of Afro music and Western sounds were combined, which is evident in Mlus own sound. “It was through this experience that I learnt a lot about the rest of the world. I learnt that in music there are no boundaries, and realised that ‘the world is waiting’, and we ought to be ready and take charge to inspire.”
Mlungisi of Umlazi came to Australia as an original cast member of the Broadway musical production of the Lion King in 2003. Here he fulfilled a role as cast ensemble and featured soloist. “I had a beautifully enriching and developing experience.”
Mlu moved to London in 2007. Here he had the opportunity to perform the lead in Jason Robert Brown’s ‘Songs For A New World’ in the West End, and as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. Mlu got amazing reviews from mesmerised fans in all local papers in Scotland and was made to believe once more, “the world really is waiting.”
Mlungisi has now entered a chapter in his life, where he has to unmask and head for the centre stage. It was a matter of time. He has always been a sensational songwriter with immense passion to his craft, and effortless exquisite vocal abilities which will not fail to wow any crowds.
Mlu has just finished his debut album (Music Lovan Unity), in which he worked with a number of different producers around the world, thus ensuring a completely unique variety of textures, that includes the likes of PJ Morton (a Grammy award winning producer to: India Arie, Jagged Edge, Jermain Dupree, Monica).
This album is set to up the level of Rhythm and Blues, Soul and Afro music. Look out for the true talent the world is about to discover. 1st single (Do you Right) is blazing in Southern Africa and topped charts on the biggest national radio chart show, Metrofm Top40. Brace yourself and be ready for this rare treat, coming your way!! God Bless.
