Explore the Vibrant World of Michael Mwenso
Michael Mwenso is a vocalist bandleader, co-founder of Electric Root, Emmy Award-winning creator, curator and creative artist.
Mwenso’s unique lifelong geographical and spiritual journey has led him to possess a perspective unlike any other in this time.
His childhood was rooted in West Africa .
As a young child in London he faced a period of personal uncertainty, where he found solace in Black music and where the greatest artists of all time, like James Brown, became his mentors and guiding stars. Years later he started his Curatorial vision by creating the now legendary “late show” at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club which he developed, built and galvanized the Jazz community in London.
By his late twenties, Mwenso was brought to New York City by famed Music icon , Wynton Marsalis to be part of his programming team at Jazz at Lincoln Center and helm Dizzy’s Club.
The influence of his arrival profoundly impacted the music and arts scene of NYC.
He then built a community across the United States through his musical vehicle (Band) of love and expression, Mwenso and the Shakes.
He co founded Electric Root with Jono Gasparro in 2020 which partnered with institutions to decolonize music curriculums, reshape programming and create artist led, anti racist workshops.
In 2021 Michael pivoted to become a much-sought collaborator and cultural leader, creating programming, curating festivals, doing workshops and residencies at leading arts institutions, always moving the conversation forward. In 2022 he won an EMMY for the All Arts television documentary special “Michael Mwenso Honors George Floyd”.
He now continues to spend his energy on spreading the message of music to uplift, heal and empower individuals and communities across the world.
NPR Documentary
Life At Jazz Lincoln Center
Mwenso And The Shakes
No Regrets
Mwenso And The Shakes
Paste Studio Session
🎵 Be Free – by Michael Mwenso from the upcoming album The Second Emergence
Press and On-Air Sessions
May 4, 2024 | ALL ARTS Radio Hour WLIW
In this episode, Michael Mwenso invites 88-year-old blues legend Bobby Rush onto the stage. With a music career spanning 75 years, Rush is an expert in storytelling through song, and commands the audience with his melancholic and wise retellings of his memories.
April 27, 2024 | ALL ARTS Radio Hour WLIW
In this episode, Michael Mwenso sits down with Grammy award-winning musician Jon Batiste. Together, they riff off one another’s expert perspectives as they listen through a selection of musical greats from previous generations, like Bessie Smith, James Brown and Ray Charles.
The Greene Space at WNYC & WQXR
Streamed live on Nov 14, 2022
WNYC NEWS
Published November 12, 2022
Singer, bandleader, activist, and educator Michael Mwenso was born in Sierra Leone, and cut his teeth on the London jazz scene as a teenager. At the urging of Wynton Marsalis, he came to New York City, where he worked with Jazz at Lincoln Center and founded the band, Mwenso and the Shakes.
By Chris Farnsworth / Vermont’s Independent Voice SEVEN DAYS
Published February 9, 2022
I don’t drink coffee. There, I said it. Recoil in horror if you will. Wonder out loud how I can possibly form coherent sentences in the morning or make it through an eight-hour workday without those beans you all love so much.
In the spirit of Black artistic expression, through music and conversation, Michael Mwenso features some of our greatest Black artists to collectively honor George Floyd and examine how he has shifted the consciousness of the world.
Message Music explores the deeper meaning of music that matters. Guiding us on this journey is artist, bandleader and founder of Mwenso and The Shakes, Michael Mwenso, who has been a programming assistant for Lincoln Center in New York City and most recently, a visiting professor at the University of Buffalo.
The series is kicked off with songs by three different women: Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Ethel Waters and a young Aretha Franklin.
There are charismatic people, and then there’s Michael Mwenso. The leader of Mwenso & the Shakes is full of energy, charm and most importantly, joy. That joy is ever-present when he’s telling stories about growing up in Ghana and Nigeria and spending four years trying to impress James Brown. You’ll also find that joy on his debut album, Emergence [The Process of Coming Into Being], which blends jazz, R&B and spoken word in a live album that feels like a Broadway show. These songs are anthemic — an explosion of ideas and sounds wrapped around familiar instrumentation.
Michael will tell the remarkable story of moving to England as a kid, finding music after his mom was deported and how he was taken under the wing of James Brown as a teen. First though, we get started with a live performance from the stage of World Cafe Live. Hear that and more in the audio player above, and watch a special bonus video of Mwenso & The Shake’s performance of “Resolute” on this page.
Honors and Achievements
2022
Emmy Award for 'Michael Mwenso Honors George Floyd'
Recognized for his profound impact on the arts, Michael Mwenso received an Emmy for his poignant documentary special, showcasing his dedication to cultural dialogue and artistic excellence.
2020
Jazz Innovator Award
Acknowledged for his groundbreaking contributions to jazz, Mwenso was honored with the Jazz Innovator Award, celebrating his unique vision and influence in the music world.
2018
Cultural Leadership Award
Michael Mwenso was celebrated with the Cultural Leadership Award for his efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion within the arts community, highlighting his role as a transformative cultural leader.
Book Michael Mwenso Today
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Email: michaelmwenso @ gmail.com