Vocalist Ekep Nkwelle grew up in Washington D.C. and went on to conquer the stages of New York and far beyond. Her voice caught the attention of jazz greats such as Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves and Dee Dee Bridgewater, with whom she now collaborates. At North Sea Jazz 2026 she performed in the band of legendary pianist Kenny Barron. With performances at Carnegie Hall, NPR’s Tiny Desk and international jazz festivals, Nkwelle is one of the newest rising stars in jazz.

Her debut album Caged Bird was released on Mack Avenue. Its nine songs are inspired by Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and trace a journey from sorrow to inspiration, about human suffering and the longing for a better future. Nkwelle sings them with the poise and urgency of a seasoned artist.