Zechariah Manyosi’s Journey Through Music and Bantu Records

Zechariah Manyosi, a native of Johannesburg, South Africa, was immersed in the world of music from a tender age. Growing up in a household where his father was a prominent DJ and radio presenter, Manyosi's childhood was a symphony of diverse sounds. Long car rides with his father while his mother was away for work became a musical adventure.

In those intimate moments, Zech was the DJ, carefully selecting tracks from his father's extensive CD collection. His choices were a testament to his eclectic taste, ranging from the soulful melodies of Carlos Santana and Joe Sample to the funky grooves of Ronnie Jordan and George Benson. The iconic Michael Jackson, a frequent presence in his father's playlists, left an indelible mark on Manyosi's musical sensibilities.

Beyond the legendary figures, Manyosi's childhood soundtrack also featured a mix of old and new, from classic Radio Bop shows recorded on cassettes to contemporary hits 2000s local radio. This early exposure to a variety of genres laid the foundation for his future musical explorations.

As he entered his teenage years, Manyosi's love for house music ignited. The rise of Soul Candi, a local music label, introduced him to the infectious rhythms and energetic beats that would shape his musical identity. At thirteen, he began experimenting with Virtual DJ software, honing his mixing skills and immersing himself in the world of electronic music.

Manyosi's musical journey extended beyond the confines of Johannesburg. During school holidays, he would frequently visit Ga-Rankuwa, where he was exposed to the vibrant local music scene. This exposure broadened his horizons and influenced his evolving taste.

As he matured, Manyosi's musical interests continued to expand. Artists like Gnarls Barkley, Gorillaz, and Miles Davis captivated his attention, further enriching his eclectic taste.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique opportunity for Manyosi to deepen his connection with music. During the lockdown, he turned to his passion as a source of solace and creativity. He began curating playlists, sharing music with friends, and eventually launching his own DJ project, CIRCLES & SQUARES.

Joined by his close friend and fellow music enthusiast, Tiisetso “TK” Moreki, Zechariah co-directed CIRCLES & SQUARES. The project brought together a talented group of creatives, including Chad Anthony and Chulu Makuluma on the visual side, and Denzel Moses, a culinary genius. All shared Manyosi's passion for music and community. Together, they created a platform for celebrating diverse sounds and fostering a sense of belonging.

With CIRCLES & SQUARES, Zech and TK aimed to curate intimate events that celebrated music and connected people. His love for both music and people was the driving force behind this project, and it quickly gained a dedicated following.

In 2023, a chance encounter at a CIRCLES & SQUARES party led to a pivotal moment in Manyosi's life. He met Umlando, the founder of Bantu Records, and was immediately drawn to the store's unique atmosphere. Their shared passion for music and culture quickly blossomed into a fruitful partnership.

Zechariah joined the Bantu Records team as more than just a store manager. He became an integral part of the store's vision, contributing to its revitalization and expansion. Together with Umlando, he curated the record collection, organized listening sessions, and hosted Bantu Sessions, featuring talented DJs and music enthusiasts.

One of Manyosi's most cherished memories was the countless hours spent chatting with Umlando at the store. They would delve deep into their shared love for music, discussing their favorite artists, albums, and genres. Umlando's encyclopedic knowledge of music was a constant source of inspiration for Manyosi, and their conversations often sparked new ideas for the store and its community.

Their discussions extended beyond music, encompassing topics such as their upbringings, their experiences as DJs, and their aspirations for the future of Bantu Records. These conversations were more than just casual chats; they were opportunities for two like-minded individuals to connect on a deeper level and share their passion for music and culture.

Manyosi's time at Bantu Records was marked by a sense of camaraderie and belonging. He formed lasting friendships with both Umlando and the wider community that gathered at the store. Together, they created a space where music lovers could come together to celebrate their shared passion and discover new sounds.

Another one of Zechariah’s most cherished memories was the vibrant atmosphere that often filled the courtyard of Bantu Records’ Braamfontein location. Alongside Umlando, Bathini, Vuyo McGlad and Zango (of Narow-Bi), Arnie, Zoe and other friends, they would gather to play music, dance, and simply enjoy each other's company. These gatherings were a testament to the strong sense of community that had developed around the store.

Most recently, Zechariah has been instrumental in involving Lilies Radio, a local online radio station, in the new store by creating a dedicated studio space aiming to shape the broader community around Bantu Records. This collaboration brought together three important elements of his world: CIRCLES & SQUARES, the vinyl store and the radio station.

Zechariah’s ongoing journey with Bantu Records has been a beautiful one, marked by a deep connection and passion for music and community. The journey continues.