Jazz: Ekep Nkwelle

Nine Orchard Presents brings the 2025 Jazz season to a close on December 8th — We’re thrilled to present Cameroonian-American jazz vocalist Ekep Nkwelle, who 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), Nkwelle 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 (and nominated by Wynton Marsalis), Nkwelle continues to define a vibrant new chapter in contemporary jazz.

• Doors will open at 8:00pm
• Ekep’s performance starting at 9:00pm
• Jazz selections by Stretch Armstrong at 10:00pm 

Make A Night of It

Start with dinner at Corner Bar then head upstairs for the program — or join us for a nightcap in the Swan Room after Stretch's performance.