ERNIE SMITH

Based in Durban

Multi-award winning Ernie Smith started playing the guitar at the age of 13, inspired by a mixed tapestry of jazz musical influences like Pat Metheny, George Benson, Larry Carlton, and Wes Montgomery. Challenged by their individual, unique sounds, he began the search for his personal expression in an authentic African voice.

Propelled by the sounds of South Africa mentors like Jonathan Butler, Sandile Shange, Moses Taiwa Molelekwa and many others, coupled with his ambition to expose and attract young and old to listen to thoughtful music, he has developed a style of playing and singing that is an assimilation of Jazz, African, gospel, soul and R&B references. Ernie's aim in the playing of his music is to spawn a culture that represents the free spirit of music that celebrates life and the willingness to share. 

Ernie has been featured with artists like Hugh Masekela, Family Factory, Themba Mkhize, Mthunzi Namba, Joyous Celebration and many others. He has written and produced songs for Deo Qurum, a gospel group currently enjoying a number one spot on Highway Radio, and winners of a recent South African Music Award (SAMA). Ernie's debut album, 'Child of the Light' was produced by Ernie and co-produced by Jasper Williams and features a duet with Gloria Bosman and guest musicians like Themba Mkhize, Paul Hanmer and Marcus Wyatt. The album, released by Sheer Sound, is a mixture of African musical styles, incorporating jazz and gospel and a definite R n' B influenced Soulful music. 

Ernie has been awarded with a prestigious KORA Award in the category "Most Promising Male Artist". He has also 2 coveted SAMAs (South African Music Awards), for "Best Newcomer" and "Best Adult Contemporary Album".