Zeke Manyika

Who is Zeke Manyika?

Zeke Manyika is a drummer, vocalist and songwriter.

Manyika was born in Zimbabwe, but has lived in Britain for most of his life. From 1982 to 1984 he was a member of the pop group Orange Juice, and contributed to their biggest hit single, "Rip It Up". He can also be heard playing drums on singles by The Style Council such as "Speak Like a Child" and "A Solid Bond in Your Heart". He also contributed to several albums by The The including Soul Mining, Infected and Dusk.

Manyika's solo albums to date include "Call and Response" released by Polydor and Mastercrime, released in 1989. According to the Some Bizzare record label website, the video for Manyika's single, "Bible Belt" was filmed in Mozambique and it won the Golden Circle Award.

Manyika is mentioned several times in The Guinness Who's Who of Indie and New Wave edited by Colin Larkin, and published in 1992: Manyika is described as providing "organic backing" to live extravaganzas organised by the UK band, Botany 500. The book also mentioned that Manyika plays drums on, Hope and Despair, the debut solo album by Edwyn Collins. He also did backing vocals, percussion, and toured with Paul Weller.