RASHID LANIE is an internationally acclaimed composer, ​pianist, producer and

recording artist who recently performed at the "World Cup 2010 Kick-Off Celebration Concert" in South Africa. He performed with John Legend, Angelique Kidjo, Shakira, Alicia Keyes and Black-eyed Peas.

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He has also worked with the likes of Chaka Khan, Paul Simon, Jackson Browne, Will.I.AM, Randy Brecker, Ray Parker Jr., Lew Soloff, Hugh Masekela, Ernie Watts, Bobby Womack, Slash, The UN Jazz Orchestra, Verdine White, Jonathan Butler,  and the world famous Agape International Choir, to name a few.

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Rashid came to Los Angeles from his native South Africa in 1994 with scholarships to the University of Southern California and the Musicians’ Institute in Hollywood. A year later he was invited to be the Musical Director for the launch of the Lion King album “Rhythm of the Pridelands”, featuring musicians from the bands of Stevie Wonder, Madonna, Adam of the Ants and Yanni. He received the award for Best Arrangement from the American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers for “Infant Eyes” by Wayne Shorter, and was nominated Best World Music Artist as part of the Prince Ayengo Band, by the Los Angeles Music Awards.

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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 “The People Want Mandela”, a song celebrating Nelson Mandela’s release from prison, and was personally honored, with 11 others, at a press conference following Mandela’s release. He has spoken at the United Nations on behalf of South African musicians, and has served as Vice-President of the South African Musicians’ Alliance. While in South Africa his band, The Rashid Lanie Jazz Trio, performed regularly at music festivals and on South African television. Rashid is especially honored to have performed for the Dalai Lama at the 1999 Sacred Music Festival in Los Angeles. Using his unique intuitive and musical gifts, he creates one of a kind "Soul Soundtracks" for individuals on a commission basis.

To date, Rashid has released four CD's of original music.