Organized by MASIMAS LIVE: Christmas Concerts at Jamboree
Michael Mwenso · Vuyo Sotashe · Miles Wilkins · Ruben Fox · Rashaan Salaam · Nolan Nwuchuku · Ahmad Johnson
Michael Mwenso & The Shakes
Michael Mwenso began his career as a trombonist, singer and dynamic performer. His magnetic stage presence soon caught the attention of the legendary James Brown, who invited him to sing and dance during his London shows.
In 2012, at the invitation of friend and jazz icon Wynton Marsalis, Mwenso moved to New York City to join Jazz at Lincoln Center as curator and programming associate. There he began collaborating with a diverse circle of Juilliard-trained musicians, giving birth to the unique collective now known as The Shakes.
Together, Michael Mwenso & The Shakes present an electrifying experience that blends entertainment with artistry, tracing the rich continuum of jazz and blues through the lens of African and Afro-American traditions. Their performances are a powerful journey that celebrate history, resilience and joy through music.
In winter 2024, the ensemble will tour Europe with their special holiday program, A Soulful Christmas, featuring a vibrant selection of seasonal classics and Christmas hits.
Looking ahead to 2025, Mwenso & The Shakes will be on tour with their new and exclusive programme, Songs of Black Hope and the Resistance — a deeply moving and uplifting celebration of music as a force for cultural memory, healing and empowerment.
