Neo Muyanga
Neo Muyanga was born in Soweto, son of a long-line of traditional composers and makers of the Mozambican Timbila (tuned wood percussion instrument). He studied the Italian madrigal tradition with choral maestro, Piero Poclen, in Trieste, Italy. In the mid 90’s he co-founded the acoustic guitar duo, BLK Sonshine, together with Masauko Chipembere (“Born in a taxi; Soul Smile”), touring extensively throughout Southern Africa, the United States and western Europe.
Neo has composed music for contemporary African dance (Jazzart dance theatre’s “Rain in a dead man’s Footprints” and “Cargo”); plays (Max Frisch’s “the Fireraisers” directed by Magnet Theatre’s Mark Fleishman and Shakespeare’s “ the Tempest “ directed by Janice Honeyman and starring John Kani and Sir Anthony Sher); and film (“Land of Thirst” directed by Meg Rickards and “Believe” written and directed by Erica Anyadike).
His artist residency awards include stints at British theatre director Jude Kelly’s Metal Culture and the Drama Department at The University of Cape Town.
Neo composes works for choir and chamber ensemble.
He also continues to tour widely as a solo performer and as a member of BLK Sonshine.
Website: Neo Muyanga