Manja, known on stage as “Sugar Bender,” found his rhythm early in Florida. At just 11 years old, he was already behind a drum kit playing in his first band, “The Surgeons!”  Music wasn’t a hobby — it was momentum. By 14, he transitioned to keys, where groove met harmony, and the rest is history.

His influences are rooted in classic rock greatness. The songwriting brilliance of The Beatles, the power of Led Zeppelin, the depth of Deep Purple, the swagger of The Rolling Stones, and the soul of the Young Rascals all live in his musical DNA. That

blend of grit and texture shapes his playing — steady, musical, and always serving the song. Pure sugar!​

For Manja, GSB stands apart because it’s organized, motivated, and driven by purpose.  It’s not just about playing great music — it’s about building something intentional.  There’s focus. There’s direction, and there’s heart behind the sound.