The X factor that defines the leaders of the pack in the music industry is a combination of performing
multiple instruments, a great voice, executing an energetic performance and course being a hit
songwriter. This perfectly describes multitalented South African Singer & Musician Ricardo Mendes.
Ricardo is considered a flourishing natural of the South African music industry, whose versatile music such
as Amapiano as a genre on his 1st EP Project -I am Ricardo Mendes, with vocal RnB influenced
acrobats.
He is a distinguished performer who writes his own music and lyrics to his original material.
Ricardo is also a brilliant multi-instrumentalist who plays guitar, drums, keyboard and bass.
Motivated by a childhood dream and vision of one day getting offered his own Record Label deal; Ricardo first
sang on the stage at 5 years old, he is a PK, “ Pastors Kid ” so was always surrounded by Music.
As a child his parents would dress him as Michael Jackson and take him to Schools and Fairs to perform.
Ricardo was raised in Wentworth, Durban, KZN. He attended Grovenor Boys School where he had his Natal
colours for Rugby, Cricket, Soccer, Swimming and Baseball, and was the male lead in many High School
Musicals. At the age of 16 he was in a serious Rugby match accident on the field, he was told he could never
use his mangled right arm again and that it could not be saved, however a Doctor had just flown in from
Germany and was called, this Doctor went into surgery with him and did not give up, he was told he may never
get nerve feeling so sport and music was no longer an option. But Ricardo is a soldier, he exercised his arm, he
went for Physio and with Faith in God, after a year had a full recovery as his nerves attached. He then got
spotted by Amazulu who he played for, he did many PSL matches but Music always pulled at his heart strings
and the passion and desire to get onto stage and entertain soon took over, however he still plays socials today.
He was always in love with Church Praise and Worship, where he lead many churches, events and concerts, he
worked with Khaya Mthethwa for a while at Oasis Umlazi when he was offered Head of Worship at a church in
Mpumalanga, shortly after he resigned to pursue his Independent Music Career and Business opportunities in
JHB. He is also an owner of a Sausage Saloon Franchise at the Silver Star Casino and a TV and Film Catering
Company. He has shared the stage with many greats such as Ernie Smith, Israel Houghton and Marvin Winans.
The music which Ricardo makes or songs that he sings often comes from his pure passion and love of music
with an array of his own life experiences. He says it is important not to be fueled by Fame and Self Glory, but
rather by love and passion for the craft.
His creativeness and unique style expand further into production and mixing with him being able to read
music, compose and arrange...
If you are still not impressed, Ricardo is not completely self taught! Armed with a Diploma in Music, which he
was offered as a Music scholarship at UKZN as Classical Jazz under Mr. Thomas just after completing Matric.
This positive, determined and assertive musical virtuoso is no newcomer to the entertainment industry, and
boasts a successful career spanning several years.
South Africans first heard of Ricardo when he released his first original song ' Your Grace' at the age of 23.
He has been booked for concerts from a young age as a guitarist or drummer, but performing onstage as a
singer from age 16.
His 2015 debut concert 'Redeemed' performed at Vineyard to an audience of over 2000. Having also played at
Wentworth's huge year event.. 'No Walls Festival', and with his band also at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Ricardo born into a family of musical enthusiasts is a renowned artiste and 2020 Top 10 for Icon Gospel
Discovery.
But in saying that HE IS AN ALL ROUND ENTERTAINER AND PERFOMER , WHO CAN MIND YOU ALSO BURN
UP THE STAGE DANCING....
In 2020 Oct , he lost his Dad, the person who nurtured his Passion , he has vowed to do this for him as he
taught Ricardo this motivation that “CHAMPIONS NEVER DIE”, which he lives by daily.
Ricardo lives and breathes his craft, he believes in Excellence, he also believes in taking care of his physical
body as that feeds the mind and the spirit. He is at the gym everyday and does EMS twice a week. He also used
to Model and has been in some local and International ads, such as Castle Lager Africa 5 with Samuel Etto and
Abbott and Abott, Mr Price to name a few.
An incredible stage presence, immaculate vocal delivery and strong songs mark Ricardo Mendes’s
performances as world-class. His a robust live performer who the world is awaiting and the spotlight is
NOW on him.
FUN FACTS
Singer/Songwriter since 17 years old
Sings in the shower
Goals *
-To witness the fruits of his labor pay off by being able to do what he loves both as a career and
passion
-Travel the world and getting to meet new people who love his music
- Most importantly to mentor and pass on his gift to others...to be an ICON in encouraging
other aspiring artists to pursue their goals and produce their best.
-Tour Nationally to parts of Africa with his EP then proceed internationally
-Win a Grammy and SAMA award.
Interests
- Ride his superbike // Honda CBR 1000 RR Fireblade
- Avid Fashion Enthusiast // YDE is my place
- Currently listening to everything from MJ to help train vocally as per Coaches request
- Fine Dining, favorite is Fire Room
- Chilling with his producer making new beats
- Netflix Series or Movies / Comedy is my go to Genre
- Hosting
- Love fast cars
Weird Fact
- I love the stage and Fans but I am actually an introvert
