Orbit | Updated: June 9, 2026
Born: September 26
Digba Ogunbiyi is a Nigerian jazz pianist and composer known for a unique playing and compositional style that blends the rhythmic nuances of Yoruba folk music with jazz and classical traditions.
A recipient of the Music society of Nigeria’s Steinway & Sons Piano Proficiency Award and a Doctorate from Eastman School of Music, Digba's music explores themes of identity and self-expression.
In 2024, while studying at the Eastman School of music, Digba received the Ray Wright prize, an award given to artists who embodies Ray Wright's spirit of artistry, dedication, versatility and entrepreneurship.
His debut album Ade’digba, has been acclaimed as a defining album in the establishment of Nigerian artists in the global Jazz scene. His upcoming album, "Stay Still," promises to showcase a deeper exploration in this tradition.
He has performed alongside notable jazz artists such as John Benitez, Anthony Tidd, Clay Jenkins, Steve Lehman, and the Dave Rivello Big Band. In 2025, Digba had the honor of opening for the legendary South African pianist Abdullah Ibrahim at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Currently, he serves on the faculty at Syracuse University, where he directs ensembles and teaches jazz piano.
Awards
Steinway and Sons Piano proficiency award.
Ray Wright prize
Tags
All About Jazz Articles
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Near the end of James Baldwin's short story, Sonny's Blues," the narrator watches Sonny perform in a jazz club, where he describes the crowd as gathering around the piano while Sonny's fingers filled the air with life, his life. But that life contained so many others. In many ways, this description captures the essence of musicianship. Players bring their creations to life, but each of these carries its own history and influences. This is certainly evident in Red 123's album ...
Continue ReadingAll About Jazz Top 10 Songs: June 2026
Source:
All About Jazz
All About Jazz features a free song every day spanning all genres of jazz, and of the songs featured in June, these ten represent our reader's favorites as indicated by total listens. Musicians and record labels can submit full length MP3s for consideration here. Enjoy! Top Songs Extinct Man Digba Ogunbiyi From: Stay Still 08:20 Fire And Rain John Beasley From: Invisible Piano 04:37 IT's Gotta ...
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Primary Instrument
Piano
Location
Philadelphia
Willing to teach
Intermediate to advanced
Credentials/Background
Eastman School of Music, Doctor of Musical Arts, August 2024
