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LOS ANGELES – It’s so much more than a music career – Mankeba Live is on a mission to bring songs of love, peace and joy to the world.
With a stage name that combines his two most inspirational icons – Nelson Mandela and Miriam Makeba – Mankeba Live creates vibes that hit R&B, Hip-Hop and Rap. His miraculous story led him to this moment as his first three hit singles reflect a contagious energy of love for every aspect of life.
“Music steers you in the direction,” Mankeba Live said. “Things around you change but it never leaves you alone. It becomes a part of you … These first songs are a mixture of everything – they’re for whoever you love in your life. These words are perfect. They harmonize together – coordinate with the music. They came out beautiful and timeless. It’s not easy but you put your whole heart and soul in it and that’s what you create.”
Born Anthony Francis of Brooklyn, NY, Mankeba Live was just 6 years old when he developed his passion on the stage. He was one of six brothers growing up in the foster care system with a culture of the streets and powerful church experiences. Even though it was “a long time ago,” as Mankeba Live described it with a smile, he remembers his brothers’ harmonizing voices as his first group “The Francis Boys.”
“We lived in church,” Mankeba Live said. “We sat in the front row … When the preacher sees you like the choir, you sing in every one. You take the offering, next thing you know you’re an usher, then a junior deacon, a deacon, an elder. You just keep going up and up – we’re trained to be preachers and we know exactly what we’re saying. Church and belief goes into music because you put all those things inside so you can be greater than who you think you are.”
Music followed Mankeba Live in the military as he toured Europe, and at one point served as one of Germany’s first African-American Hip-Hop/Rap teachers. He says he’s always approached his life with an open mind to accept new challenges, and gleam knowledge from all corners of the globe.
“I would hope people don’t just hear my music, but feel it,” Mankeba Live said. “Grab onto that. It’s what people forget about it – it’s not just the frequency. I want them to know I come in love and peace and happiness. That’s all the important things in their lives. That’s who I am.”
Find and explore Mankeba Live’s first three singles “Serenade Her with Love,” “The Right Frequency,” and “Believe.” Make sure to stay connected to Mankeba Live on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.
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