Meet Manas Itene | Musician, Drummer & Vocalist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Manas Itene and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Manas, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Believing in myself and staying dedicated to vision and dream.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I was born a drummer, sitting on the side of the road in Ughelli, Delta State, Nigeria teaching myself on my home made drum kit. I lived behind a music venue with my family and would sneak into the club to get a moment on a real drum kit. I have been blessed with a gift and many people who have walked by my side and supported me to get me where I am today. I thank God for all the door he has opened and closed for me.

For more than 2 decades I have been the drummer and backing vocalist for Michael Franti & Spearhead. When covid hit, it gave me the opportunity to lay down saved up tracks and I released my second studio album, One Accord. Since then I have been traveling the country spreading the One Accord message. Every show is accompanied by an all levels, all involved drum circle to remember. More recently I’ve been connecting with the healing the djembe brings to people and joining yoga classes that are tuned in to the beat of the drum! I just came back from Guatemala, where I co-hosted a yoga and drum retreat for the week!

I’m excited to continue to share my gifts with the world. I’ll get inspirations in the middle of the night for songs and rhythms and know that my solo project is just beginning.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Beach! Beach and Beach! That my chill zone, my place to recoup when away from the touring life.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Lance Perry Omas from Nigeria. Saw something in me from a young age and helped connect me with the opportunity to join the Mandators, the band that first brought me to the USA.

Website: www.mansitene.com

Instagram: manasitene

Facebook: www.facebook.com/manasitene

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@Manasitene

Image Credits
Sharon Uy Diane Carrigan Ryan Smith