Patron Early Access: This event is currently available exclusively to Ravenscroft Patrons and will go on sale to the public October 15. Click here to learn more about becoming a Patron and enjoy early access to tickets.
“Nkwelle is a rising star of her own.”
— Paul Reynolds, All About Jazz
WHAT TO EXPECT
Experience an inspiring evening with Ekep Nkwelle, a captivating vocalist, composer, and bandleader whose music brings together jazz, gospel, faith, and her Cameroonian heritage with extraordinary warmth and expression.
Raised in the church and leading worship from an early age, Nkwelle carries that foundation into music that explores the full spectrum of the human experience—from sorrow and struggle to perseverance, freedom, and hope. Her rich, expressive voice moves effortlessly from intimate storytelling to soaring improvisation, bringing remarkable depth to both original compositions and reimagined standards.
Presented as part of Ravenscroft’s Christian Songwriter Series, this special performance invites audiences into an evening where exceptional jazz artistry and deeply rooted faith come together through the power of song.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Ekep Nkwelle is a Cameroonian-American vocalist, composer, and bandleader whose artistry blends jazz tradition, gospel influences, and a distinctly personal approach to storytelling. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Howard University, and The Juilliard School, she has performed and recorded with artists including Wynton Marsalis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Dianne Reeves, Russell Malone, and Cyrus Chestnut.
Her 2026 debut album, Caged Bird, released on Mack Avenue Records, explores faith, survival, perseverance, and the pursuit of freedom. Nkwelle has appeared at Carnegie Hall, SFJAZZ, NPR’s Tiny Desk, and major jazz festivals around the world, establishing herself as an exciting voice in a new generation of jazz artists.