Step into the world of creativity as we introduce the incredible artists who bring life to the TransAtlantic Jazz Exchange. From renowned jazz artists to emerging voices, these musicians embody the rich traditions and innovative spirit of the art form across continents. Explore their journeys, inspirations, and the magic they create on and off the stage.
guided by his parents Antoine Roney and Nia Love (choreographer), began pursuing music at a young age, inspired by his family's deep jazz legacy. By age eight, he embarked on his first European tour, performing in countries such as France, Italy, and Israel. As a drummer, Kojo has shared stages with jazz icons like Wallace Roney (uncle), Ron Carter, Chick Corea, and Gary Bartz. Mentored by drumming legends Milford Graves, Roy Haynes, and Jimmy Cobb. He continues to evolve as an artist expanding his talents to the cinematic screen, blending his musical prowess with visual storytelling.
is an acclaimed American jazz saxophonist, composer, and educator, known for his exceptional skill and innovative contributions to modern jazz. Roney began playing saxophone at a young age and went on to study at the prestigious Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the University of Hartford. Drawing inspiration from jazz legends like Wallace Roney (brother), John Coltrane and Art Blakey. Roney developed a unique voice that blends technical precision with deep emotional expression.
Roney is also dedicated to educating the next generation of musicians, influencing young talent with his knowledge and passion for the art form.
Natalie Rungan is a South African vocalist, producer, and music educator whose two-decade career spans genres like Jazz, R&B, Gospel, and Pop. With seven studio albums and collaborations with artists such as Gerald Albright and Mandoza, her music reflects her passion for love and life. Holding a Master’s in Jazz Performance and a PhD from Rhodes University, Natalie is the Head of Music at Durban High School and directs Nabak Arts, promoting music education through initiatives like the KZN Schools’ Jazz and Rock Music Festival. Her recent projects include working with the Carnegie Hall Youth Jazz Orchestra in 2024.
is a South African composer, arranger, bassist, vocalist, and arts researcher with an extensive international career. A graduate with double Master's degrees in Voice and Double Bass (cum laude) from The Royal Conservatory of Music, Antwerp, and LUCA School of Arts in Belgium, she has toured and recorded with Grammy-nominated Zap Mama, performing alongside legends like Stevie Wonder and Erykah Badu. Currently a lecturer at WITS University and a PhD candidate, she curates interdisciplinary creative projects, contributing to music education and cultural exchange on a global scale.
Dr. Phuti Sepuru is a South African jazz musician, educator, and researcher specializing in jazz ethnography and South African jazz traditions. A lecturer in Classical Music and Jazz Studies at the University of Pretoria, she has performed with icons like Abigail Kubeka and Judith Sephuma and on international stages in Vietnam, Japan, and Sweden. A former Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Band pianist and SAJE board member, she champions music's transformative role in education and community development.
Will Calhoun is a Grammy-winning drummer best known for his work with the iconic rock band Living Colour. A Berklee College of Music graduate, his genre-spanning career includes collaborations with artists like Pharoah Sanders, B.B. King, Marcus Miller and Wayne Shorter. Renowned for blending funk, rock, and jazz with cutting-edge drum technologies, Calhoun has earned accolades from noted trade magazines like Modern Drummer and Rolling Stone. His solo projects, including Celebrating Elvin Jones, showcase his innovation and versatility as a musician.
Bhekisisa Khoza is a renowned left-handed guitarist from Umlazi, Durban, celebrated for his contributions to South African and international jazz. A recipient of a 1991 Talent Award, he studied under jazz legend Jackie McLean at the University of Hartford, Connecticut, while performing with Larry Ridley’s Jazz Legacy in iconic venues like Blue Note and Smalls. Known for his original compositions and deep connection to African musical traditions, Khosa has played with legends such as Kenny Barron, Sipho Gumede, and Winston Mankunku. His albums include Asambe and Getting to Heaven Alive, showcasing his fusion of jazz, African rhythms, and social commentary.
James Hurt is a multifaceted musician, composer, and producer celebrated for blending genres and pushing musical boundaries. A classically trained percussionist turned pianist, Hurt draws from jazz, blues, R&B, and electronic music, influenced by legends like Art Blakey and B.B. King. He has recorded for Blue Note, Impulse, and Motown, collaborated with artists such as Donald Byrd Russell Gunn, Abbey Lincoln, Sherman Irby and DJ Logic, and contributed to Grammy-nominated projects. Known for his innovative sound design and passion for education, Hurt continues to explore the intersections of music, technology, and artistic evolution.
Is an acclaimed jazz trombonist and composer known for his dynamic collaborations with Sun Ra, Abdullah Ibrahim, David Murray, and Cecil Taylor, among others. A graduate of SUNY Old Westbury, where he was mentored by Makanda Ken McIntyre, Harris has led innovative ensembles such as The Tailgater's Tales and Cold Sweat, a tribute to James Brown. His extensive career includes world tours, leadership on recordings for labels like Soul Note and JMT. He is a master of diverse instruments, including the didgeridoo, which he discovered while touring with Abdullah Ibrahim.
a South African trumpeter and bandmaster, began his musical journey in the Salvation Army, playing the cornet at age six. Known for his distinctive style influenced by his roots and Louis Armstrong, he is the lead trumpet for the Gauteng Jazz Orchestra and Musical Director of the Mzansi Music Ensemble. Lengoasa has performed at renowned venues like the Orbit Jazz Club and released his debut album, Lockdown Chronicles, on his 60th birthday. A dedicated music educator, he has taught at the Alexandra Multi-Arts Project and Parktown Boys' School while leading the Johannesburg City Corps band.
Is a trumpeter, composer, and educator known for his work with the Sun Ra Arkestra, where he performed and recorded extensively from 1976 to 1993. A versatile artist, Ahmed leads the ensembles Diaspora (Dispersions of the Spirit of Ra) and Ebonic Tones, blending poetry, lyrics, and innovative instrumentation. He is the former Music Director of Sistas' Place in Brooklyn and is a founding member of the Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium. As an adjunct professor at The New School, Ahmed teaches courses on Sun Ra’s music and philosophy, and continues to champion "Jazz: A Music of the Spirit."
Born in Soweto, he is a celebrated South African saxophonist, composer, and arranger. Starting with trumpet and later switching to saxophone, he gained prominence with bands like Spirits Rejoice and co-founding Sakhile with Sipho Gumede. Mahlangu has toured internationally and collaborated with icons such as Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, and Abdullah Ibrahim. A versatile artist, he has worked as a session musician, producer, and musical director, contributing to albums, TV shows, and landmark performances like Nelson Mandela's 1990 Wembley concert, cementing his status in South African jazz.
Melanie Dyer’s practice is jazz/creative improvisation and composition. She studied viola performance/symphonic repertoire with William Lincer, Lee Yeingst, John Jake Kella and Naomi Fellows and at the University of Denver's LaMont School of Music. She has performed and recorded with many notable musicians, most recently the Sun Ra Arkestra under Marshall Allen, William Parker, Tomeka Reid, and others. She founded WeFreeStrings, an improvising string/rhythm collective in 2011 for which she has produced tours and two recordings. Her latest recording, Love In the Form of Sacred Outrage, was released on ESP-disk in 2022.
Pops is a renowned South African multi-instrumentalist, producer, and "Minister of Music." With roots in Johannesburg's Indian community and a heritage spanning Muslim, Portuguese, Indian, Xhosa, and Khoisan cultures, Pops' eclectic style draws from kwela, jazz, pop, and soul. A virtuoso on instruments like the kora, thumb piano, and didgeridoo, he began his musical journey at 14 and gained acclaim for productions like Moses Taiwa Molelekwa’s *Finding One’s Self.* Pops has released numerous albums, earned a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023, and remains a vital influence in South African and global music.
Alan Jay Palmer, known as BAP (Bad Alan Palmer), is a Washington D.C.-born jazz pianist, composer, and educator with roots in the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Mentored by Jackie McLean, Alan studied at the University of Hartford’s Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz, where he became McLean’s assistant and the first student to teach his famed course, "The Origin of Man and Music." Alan toured internationally with McLean’s quintet, contributing compositions to the album Rhythm of the Earth. Now based in NYC, Alan leads the BAP Trio and The New Soil Big Band, composes original works, and conducts workshops worldwide.
Cape Town born composer, multi-instrumentalist and raconteur, Hilton Schilder is always producing something new. His mastery with 16 indigenous and conventional instruments is renowned. Hilton has undoubtable helped mold the sound of what is now known as Cape Jazz.
This globally recognized treasure has collaborated with almost every legendary international South African musician. Hilton has also featured on more that 40 Jazz, Rock, Punk, Goema, World Music, and Classical albums.
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