Mani Shoniwa

Name: Mani Shoniwa
Age: 45
Born: Zimbabwe
Lived in Scotland: 36 years

Mani Shoniwa is a man on a mission.

"I’ve travelled all over the world, recording and performing, but I’ve reached a stage in my life when I want to put something back."

And that something is an incredible commitment to Scotland’s creative industries.

"Musically speaking, there’s a high quality pool of talent in Scotland. That’s why we opened the Lighthouse Studios here, to try and bring that talent through."

Zimbabwe

He laughs: "Plus, I’ll always be Zimbabwean but I’m proud to consider myself as Scottish as they come.

"Sometimes we Scots can seem reluctant to push the boat out but we’re actually a nation of inventors, pioneers. In my industry, there’s a hunger to succeed in Scotland that’s incredibly exciting."

TV and Film

As well as recording studios, a production company and a record label, the Lighthouse Studios also provides state of the art facilities for TV and film productions and is fortunate to be attracting quality names in the industry.

"We recently had John Hannah’s Clerkenwell Films, working on a big budget feature film starring James Nesbitt. And the BBC filmed Shoebox Zoo here. Channel 4, Film Four, they’ve all been here.

"And we’re getting more and more producers and directors coming up from London to shoot music videos because we have class leading and competitive facilities and people."

New Generation

Has Mani noticed a change in the Scottish music and film industry over the years?

"It’s giving me a lot of pleasure to discover that the younger generation are still seeking new ventures and pioneering. They’re much more dynamic and confident, and they have that hunger."

Results

"There’s a swathe of young people out there. They’re not afraid to leave Scotland but they don’t need to. They’re producing results here."

Mani has unshakeable faith in Scottish talent and creativity.

"The thing I love most about Scotland is the people. We have a passion and an independent streak, we speak our minds."

Barrowlands

"I’ve performed all over the world but nothing has ever come close to performing live at Glasgow’s Barrowlands. It’s like nowhere you’ve ever performed!

"Of course I’ve considered living elsewhere in the world. I’m open-minded, so I’m always prepared to move. But I love Scotland. I love the people."

Insider Info:

Mani says: "Go to Valvona & Crolla in Edinburgh and the Butterchurn in Kinross, Fife, for your food goodies. Both of them offer quality as good as Montmarte or Milan."