Featured Release
Ekep Nkwelle
Caged Bird
This album is available for pre-order and will ship by or on September 25, 2026
Ekep Nkwelle has quietly become one of the most compelling new voices in jazz today, having performed at the world's most storied stages—such as Newport Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall, and North Sea Jazz Festival—and collaborated with legends including Wynton Marsalis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Russell Malone, and Cyrus Chestnut. All before the age of 27 and without an album of recorded music. That all changes with Caged Bird, her debut album rooted in personal truth and universal humanity, serving as a reminder that music carries us through hardship and sets us all free.
Inspired by Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, the record details a journey from sorrow to inspiration, representing human suffering and the pursuit of a better future. Experience her story firsthand through 9 songs filled with the poise of a seasoned artist and the urgency of someone with something profound to say.
Signed products are one-of-a-kind and extremely limited in quantity. Signatures may vary in position, size, and style. All signatures are 100% guaranteed authentic by Mack Avenue Music Group.
Ekep Nkwelle Biography
Ekep Nkwelle is a force in today's jazz scene, charting a remarkable journey from the vibrant culture of Washington, DC, to the iconic stages of New York City and beyond. She refined her musical gifts through rigorous academic training, earning a diploma from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, a Bachelor’s degree from Howard University, and a Master’s from The Juilliard School.
Her voice has captivated legendary jazz figures such as Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, the late Russell Malone, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Catherine Russell, Cyrus Chestnut, and Jeff "Tain" Watts, earning her multiple opportunities to collaborate with these luminaries. A dynamic performer, Ekep has left her mark on world-renowned stages, including Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy, Marians Jazzroom in Switzerland, the San Javier Jazz Festival in Spain, Carnegie Hall in New York City, NPR's Tiny Desk Concert in DC, and SFJAZZ in San Francisco.
In 2023, she was honored with the prestigious Juilliard Career Advancement Grant, nominated by Marsalis, recognizing her exceptional artistry and promise. Beyond the stage, she contributes her talents to influential arts organizations such as The National Jazz Museum in Harlem, Jazz Houston, and The Woodshed Network. As one of Jazz at Lincoln Center's latest rising stars, Ekep is poised to shape the future of jazz.