Waleed Kush Afro-Jazz

Canada

Waleed Kush Afro-Jazz is a boundary-pushing ensemble that embodies the living dialogue between African Rhythms and the American Jazz tradition. Rooted in a perpetual state of “Becoming,” the group weaves ancestral polyrhythms, contemporary jazz harmonies, and fearless improvisation into a vibrant musical tapestry that reflects the members history, as well as Canada’s multicultural mosaic. Their performances invite listeners onto a musical journey where exploration, inclusivity, and accessibility are not slogans, but are a daily practice.
At the ensemble’s heart lies an African ethos of community uplifting and shared knowledge. Every concert doubles as a communal gathering, dissolving the line between stage and audience. Workshops, masterclasses, and post-show conversations extend this spirit beyond the venue, allowing the band to foster mentorship and intergenerational learning. Participants leave with practical skills and a deeper appreciation of music’s role as a social connector.
To capture this holistic approach, the band embodies a conviction that music is a healing art capable of bridging divides, soothing trauma, and inspiring civic dialogue. Their sets often include tributes to Miriam Makeba and Harry Belafonte—artists who leveraged their craft for social justice—underscoring the ensemble’s commitment to art with purpose.
Instrumentation further distinguishes the group. Waleed performs on a multitude of African instruments, one of the highlights being his virtuosic use of the tamboor—a Sudanese string instrument rarely heard in jazz—which adds an earthy resonance that grounds the music in ancestral memory while propelling it into new sonic territory. Singing in multiple African and Western languages, he layers stories of migration, resilience, and celebration, creating a soundscape that is at once local and global.
Each member brings a unique pedigree spanning gospel, Afrobeat, bebop, and contemporary classical music. This diversity fuels collaborative composition sessions where rhythmic cycles from Africa converse with modal jazz lines, and call-and-response vocals intertwine with lush horn arrangements. The result is a concert experience marked by intricate grooves, soaring melodies, and spontaneous interplay that keeps audiences engaged from the first downbeat to the final encore.
The ensemble’s 2025 calendar marks a pivotal milestone: with the upcoming release of their first studio album, “From Nubia to Harlem” funded by the Ontario Arts Council. The project encapsulates the group’s research into the music and rhythms of Ancient Nubia while honoring the cultural heritage that underpins both modern jazz and the wider Black experience.
In addition to artistic excellence, Waleed Kush Afro-Jazz prioritizes measurable social impact. The band is actively involved in educational initiatives, offering workshops and seeking mentorship opportunities to nurture the next generation of musicians and artists. They believe in the power of education and shared experiences to foster understanding and build stronger communities.
Through these activities, the group embodies the values they wish to see developed more in the Country and the World: artistic innovation, cultural diversity, community engagement, and forward-thinking. Waleed Kush Afro-Jazz does more than entertain—they galvanize, educate, and heal, demonstrating how music rooted in heritage can light the path toward an equitable, interconnected future.
Always evolving like the artists and landscapes that inspire it, Waleed Kush Afro-Jazz lives in a constant state of “Becoming,” embracing exploration, inclusivity, and accessibility. Their music blends African rhythms and American jazz, forming a cultural melting pot. More than a band, they embody African values of community and shared knowledge, forging connections among themselves and with audiences. In their workshops, mentorship and collective learning shine. Calling themselves “Humanity Practitioners,” they see music as a healing art, creating transformative spaces for everyone who listens.