Results for "Ekep Nkwelle"

Ekep Nkwelle

The meaning of Ekep Nkwelle’s name (pronounced [Eh-kep In-kweh-leh]) perfectly describes her: a gift. Her rich, soulful voice soars delivering timeless messages to audiences with power and confidence. 

To develop and master her talent, the Washington, DC-born Cameroonian-American vocalist has trained at world-renown institutes, such as Duke Ellington High School of the Arts, Howard University (BA) and The Juilliard School (MM).

At Howard, she trained with master jazz pianist, Cyrus Chestnut. With Chestnut’s guidance, Ekep tapped into the blues as an essential language for story-telling. The two would go on to perform together at Dizzy’s Jazz Club in New York and record a duet of the late DC saxophonist, Buck Hill’s “The Sad Ones” (lyrics written by Nkwelle to Buck Hill’s tenor saxophone solo).

Gospel Music

By Joel Ross

Label: Blue Note Records
Released: 2026
Track listing: Wisdom Is Eternal (For Barry Harris); Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit); Protoevangelium (The First Gospel); Hostile; The Shadowlands; Nevertheless; Word for Word; Repentance; The Sacred Place; A Little Love Goes a Long Way; Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ; Calvary; The Giver; To The Throne (The Mercy Seat); Be Patient; The New Man; Now & Forevermore.

Caged Bird

By Ekep Nkwelle

Label: Mack Avenue Records
Released: 2026
Track listing: His Eye Is on the Sparrow; Caged Bird; Night Song; Amazon Farewell; Good Morning, Heartache; Early One Mornin’; The Sad Ones; The Creator Has A Master Plan; See See Rider.

Royalty: The Music of Duke Ellington & Count Basie

By Todd Stoll

Label: Self Produced
Released: 2026
Track listing: Second Line; Sepia Panorama; No Moon at All; Easin’ It; My Little Brown Book; Chinoiserie; You Turned the Tables on Me; Shiny Stockings; Flight of the Foo Birds; Every Day I Have the Blues; Banquet Scene; Who Me.

Springfield Symphony Jazz Orchestra: Royalty: The Music of Duke Ellington & Count Basie

by Jack Bowers
October 23, 2026

According to the U.S. Board of Geographic Names, there are at least 33 cities, towns and other populated areas in the U.S. that answer to the name “Springfield." Only five boast populations of more than 20,000, and one (Illinois) is a state capital. Springfields can be found in Massachusetts, Oregon, Vermont, Missouri, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia and ...

Cory Weeds, Rahsaan Barber, David Champagne, Joey DeFrancesco and more

by Benjamin Boddie
October 22, 2026

Today's Music--Right Now! Fantastic music by Cory Weeds, Rahsaan Barber, David Champagne, Kay Kostopoulos, Johannes Enders, Jon De Lucia, The Flying Horse Big Band, Janis Siegel, Joey DeFrancesco, Henry Threadgill/Vijay Iyer/Dafnis Prieto, Adonis Rose, Bob McChesney, Aaron Johnson and Gregory Chen, Aymee Nuviola, Donald Vega, Monty Alexander, Mike Catalano, Branford Marsalis Quartet with Dianne Reeves, Jerry ...

Four new releases from Hendrik Meurkens, Christian McBride, Ekep Nkwelle and Donald Vega

by George Graham
October 21, 2026

George Graham features new releases from harmonica man Hendrik Meurkens with Steve Sandberg, Christian McBride, an impressive debut album by vocalist Ekep Nkwelle and veteran pianist/composer Donald Vega. Playlist Hendrik Meurkens & Steve Sandberg “Bennie" from Just Born (self-released) 05:11 Hendrik Meurkens & Steve Sandberg “Samba Tonto" from Just Born (self-released) 04:40 Christian McBride ...

Shirantha Beddage, The New Philly Sound, Jocelyn Gould, Vanisha Gould and more

by Benjamin Boddie
October 16, 2026

Today's Music--Right Now! ... Fantastic music by Shirantha Beddage, The New Philly Sound, Jocelyn Gould, Vanisha Gould, Tyler Henderson, Shai Jaschek, 3 More Sounds, Richard X Bennett & Paula Jeanine Bennett, Phil Haynes 2 Horns & What?, Chris Whiteman John Toomey Quartet, Houston Person, Charles Gatschet, Planet Flippo, Somi, Sullivan Fortner, Enoch Smith Jr., Jalen Baker, ...

Dida Pelled, Zuri Alexander, Myra Melford, Tara Davidson, Gaia Wilmer & More

by Mary Foster Conklin
October 12, 2026

This broadcast includes new music from Dida Pelled, Zuri Alexander, Myra Melford, Tara Davidson, Gaia Wilmer plus singles from Amy London and Jenny Scheinman, with birthday shoutouts to Koko Taylor, Nancy Harrow, Patrice Rushen, Susaye Greene, Hyuna Park, Melissa Stylianou, Lauren White, Carolina Calvache, among others. Happy listening and please support the artists you hear--see them ...

Cassandra Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Jon Hendricks, Ekep Nkwelle And More

by Jua Howard
October 12, 2026

Hey Music Family! I hope you all are taking care of yourselves and protecting your peace. It's time for another episode of the “First Instrument Jazz Show"! I want to begin by noting the recent passing of an artist with depth and endless creativity, Cassandra Wilson. Her contributions to the world of music will be greatly ...