ERNIE SMITH


Ernie Smith started playing the guitar at the age of 13. He was inspired by a mix of jazz greats like Pat Metheny, George Benson, Larry Carlton, and Wes Montgomery as well as by the success of South African mentors Jonathan Butler, Sandile Shange, Moses Taiwa Molelekwa and many others. He has developed a style of playing and singing that is an assimilation of jazz, African music, R&B and Soul. His aim is to spawn a culture that represents the free spirit of music and celebrates life.

Ernie has featured with many famous artists, the likes of Hugh Masekela, Family Factory, Themba Mkhize, Mthunzi Namba and Joyous Celebration. He has written and produced songs for Deo Qurum, a gospel group with a number one hit on Highway Radio and winners of a South African Music Award. Ernie and Jasper Williams produced Ernie's debut album, Child of the Light, released by Sheer Sound. The album features a duet with Gloria Bosman and appearances by Themba Mkhize, Paul Hanmer and Marcus Wyatt. The sound is a mixture of African jazz, gospel, R&B and Soul.