Nine Orchard Presents: Jazz with Ekep Nwelle

Nine Orchard brings the 2025 Jazz season to a close on the second Monday of the month - December 8th. We’re thrilled to present Cameroonian-American jazz vocalist Ekep Nkwele!

Ekep has emerged as one of the most captivating young voices in modern jazz. Born in Washington, D.C., and based in New York City, the 24-year-old singer brings depth, soul, and storytelling to her performances. Ekep has emerged as one of the most captivating young voices in modern jazz. Born in Washington, D.C., and based in New York City, the 24-year-old singer brings depth, soul, and storytelling to her performances.

A graduate of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Howard University (B.A. ’21), and The Juilliard School (M.M. ’23), Nkwele studied under Cyrus Chestnut, who helped shape her understanding of the blues as a foundation for musical expression. She has since performed and recorded alongside Chestnut and shared the stage with Russell Malone, Peter. Washington, Mark Whitfield, Emmet Cohen, and Endea Owens.

Her performances include The Kennedy Center, The Library of Congress, and major festivals such as Newport and Montclair. A recipient of The Juilliard Career Advancement Grant, nominated by Wynton Marsalis, Nkwele continues to define a vibrant new chapter in contemporary jazz.

Doors will open at 8:00pm with Keep’s performance starting at 9:00pm followed by jazz selections by Stretch Armstrong at 10:00pm.