He was introduced to art by the likes of Dan Ndlovu of Izodela Community Development and Percy Maseko of Khanya Community Theatre.
When he started at Izodela they did gumboot and traditional dancing, as well as theatre among others. In ‘Unontombi the Musical Play’ he assisted Ndlovu with stage design and props.
The play is about different cultures fused together in the play and the role culture can play in a relationship.
He has travelled with ‘Unontombi’ and ‘Zibuyela Amasisweni’ to many different places.
The play has been preformed in the Eastern Cape, at Mbuzini, the site when the plane carrying the late Samora Machel crashed, Durban, Chile South America, Market Theatre, Pretoria State Theatre, Johannesburg Theatre, National Arts Festival in Grahamstown and many other places.
Manzini was also involved with Mbongeni Ngema during the ‘Sarafina’ era, he was in the marketing of the play. He was also involved in the local production called ‘Sisonke Sihlangene Project’. Manzini was involved with SABC in the producing of the movie ‘Kobomutu from 2005 till 2006. He was involved with ‘Umoja’ at Yeoville in Johannesburg.
His highlights included when Unontombi was preformed at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown in 2013 and in Xai-Xai Mozambique.
“I was also involved with the shooting of ‘Justice For All’ in 2003 and again in 2006 for SABC. In 2009 we performed at the Premier’s Award ceremony in Nelspruit at Kanyamazane Stadium. In 2010 we performed traditional dance in a show at Kwamaphumulo in KwaZulu-Natal and held a performance at the Baseline in Johannesburg. In 2011 we shared the stage with a group from India at the civic theatre.”
Manzini would like to thank Ndlovu, Maseko and many other people who helped him to master and to love art and theatre. He wishes them well with their families and hopes that God will richly bless them.
“Respect art and respect yourself. Keep focusing, respect your directors, and you will have a bright future,” was Manzini parting shot.
