Rashid Lanie
Rashid Lanie is an international recording pianist, composer and producer. He has also worked with the likes of Paul Simon, Hugh Masekela, The International Agape Choir,etc., and combines music with esoteric astrology to create what he calls "Soul Soundtracks".
Rashid Lanie came to Los Angeles in 1994 with scholarships from The University of Southern California and The Musicians Institute in Hollywood. Since then, in addition to composing and producing, Rashid has pursued his career as a pianist playing and recording with such celebrities and bands as: MACY GRAY, JACKSON BROWNE, BOBBY WOMACK, and LEBO M. In 1995 he was invited to be the Musical Director for the launch of the Lion King album"Prideland”, incorporating the musicians of STEVIE WONDER, MADONNA, ADAM ANTS and YANNI. In 1996 he received the Award for Best Arrangement from the American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers for "Infant Eyes "-a composition by WAYNE SHORTER. Rashid was nominated with PRINCE EYANGO, of Cameroon, Best World Music Artist by the Los Angeles Music Awards. In 1998 he performed for BILL WITHERS' Celebrity Fundraising Event. In 1999 he played at the SACRED MUSIC FESTIVAL in Los Angeles for the DALAI LAMA.
Rashid is well-known in South Africa not only for his musical accomplishments, but also for his political activism in the fight against Apartheid. In 1992 he was commissioned to write a song called "The People Want Mandela" to celebrate NELSON MANDELAS' release from prison. He was also honored personally, with 11 others, by Mandela at a press conference following Mandelas's release. Rashid was appointed to the United Nations in New York and Hollywood to speak on behalf of South African musicians. As the Vice-President of the South African Musician's Alliance, Rashid performed and/or collaborated with numerous celebrities from South Africa and the rest of the world including: PAUL SIMON, SLASH (GUNS&ROSES), HUGH MASEKELA, and JOHNNY CLEGG. His band, THE RASHID LANIE JAZZ TRIO, was featured regularly at music festivals and on South African TV. Rashid was the musical director of numerous musical theater productions including "Daughter Of Nebo", commissioned by THE BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC.