Ekep Nkwelle

Ekep Nkwelle is a rising jazz vocalist whose musical path began in Washington, DC, and continued through studies at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Howard University, and The Juilliard School. Her expressive singing has led to collaborations with Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Cyrus Chestnut, and the late Russell Malone.

Nkwelle has appeared at major venues and festivals including SFJAZZ, NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, Marians Jazzroom, and the Umbria Jazz Festival. In 2023, Marsalis nominated her for the Juilliard Career Advancement Grant. She also contributes to the work of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem and Jazz Houston, and is among Jazz at Lincoln Center’s newest rising artists.

When: November 21

Showtime: 7:30 pm

Tickets: $46, $40, or $29; fees may apply

Venue: Rockport Music / Shalin Liu Performance Center

Artist: Ekep Nkwelle

Collaborators: Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Cyrus Chestnut, and the late Russell Malone

Background: Nkwelle studied at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Howard University, and The Juilliard School. She received the Juilliard Career Advancement Grant in 2023 after being nominated by Wynton Marsalis.

Appearances: SFJAZZ, NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, Marians Jazzroom, and the Umbria Jazz Festival

Additional work: Nkwelle supports the National Jazz Museum in Harlem and Jazz Houston and is recognized as a rising artist by Jazz at Lincoln Center.