UMOJA MCNEISH

Born and raised in South Florida to a Jamaican father and Barbadian mother, Umoja McNeish has spent much of his life expanding the possibilities of the violin. Rooted in Caribbean culture and shaped by classical training, his musical vocabulary moves naturally through reggae, hip‑hop, R&B, soul, rock, and contemporary composition.

Umoja began playing violin as a child, following the path of his older brother, Malcolm. A formative encounter with Black Violin opened his imagination to what strings could become beyond traditional classical settings. The brothers began learning contemporary music by ear, developing an approach that would eventually become Sons of Mystro, the acclaimed violin duo named in tribute to their father, DJ Mystro.

As Sons of Mystro, Umoja and Malcolm built a career spanning concert stages, festivals, schools, television, and cultural events. The duo earned the International Reggae and World Music Awards' Emerging Artist Under 21 honor, performed for Miami Heat audiences, contributed music to Kourtney and Kim Take Miami, appeared at a Keys to the City ceremony honoring Wyclef Jean, and developed a touring repertoire capable of moving seamlessly across musical genres. Their Reggae Strings Vol.1 project brought their Caribbean roots to the forefront, reimagining reggae favorites through the expressive voice of the violin.

Alongside his work with Sons of Mystro, Umoja has continued developing his individual voice as a solo violinist, composer, and producer. His Experiential Project series—including Prototype, Bloom, and Vortex—explores an increasingly personal approach to composition and performance, combining violin with rhythm, texture, technology, improvisation, and contemporary production. The 2026 release of Experiential Project 3: Vortex under the name Umoja McNeish further established this growing body of original solo work.

Onstage, Umoja brings together musicianship, movement, improvisation, and audience connection. Working with acoustic and electric violin and contemporary production tools, he approaches performance as an experience rather than simply a presentation of songs—allowing spontaneity and interaction to become part of the music itself.

His work also extends beyond the stage. Through educational performances and workshops with Sons of Mystro, Umoja has helped introduce young audiences to a broader vision of the violin and the possibilities available when musicians move beyond conventional boundaries. It brings his own journey full circle: from a young violinist inspired by seeing other Black musicians redefine the instrument to an artist helping another generation imagine what they can create with it.

Today, Umoja continues to create both as an individual artist and as a member of Sons of Mystro, bringing together the Caribbean influences, classical foundation, experimentation, and cultural exchange that have shaped his journey. Whether composing, producing, performing, or inspiring young musicians, his work reflects a belief demonstrated throughout his career: the instrument may have traditions, but the artist determines its boundaries.