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.
