Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with NYC-based rising jazz vocalist, composer, and bandleader Ekep Nkwelle. Dig into the story behind Caged Bird, her powerful debut album of 2026, and discover the personal journey, musical roots, and artistic vision shaping one of jazz’s exciting emerging voices.
Inspired by Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Caged Bird explores the journey from sorrow toward inspiration. Its themes of human suffering, resilience, freedom, and the pursuit of a better future give this project a deeply meaningful emotional foundation.
Ekep’s ability to move and inspire audiences began early. At just 12 years old, she was already leading worship, developing the expressive power that would become central to her artistry. Her love of jazz grew while attending Washington, D.C.’s Duke Ellington School of the Arts, where classical vocal training helped shape her musicianship and distinctive approach to performance.
In this conversation, we explore her early influences, the road from gospel and classical training into jazz, the inspiration behind Caged Bird, and the experiences that have shaped her growing career as a singer, composer, and bandleader.
This is a conversation about music with meaning, the courage to find your voice, and the transformative power of jazz.
🎙️ Learn more about Ekep Nkwelle:
https://www.ekepnkwelle.com/
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