ADA
Born in Paris, France, in the early eighties, Ada’s passion for singing started at the early age of 5. After moving to the United States, she began writing poetry to express her frustrations and the pressures of immigrant life. At 12, she began her professional career. She started with singing the National Anthem at all of her Basketball games and talent shows from High School all the way through College. In 2005, she and 2 other members founded the reggae band Trinity Children of Men who would tour major cities in the US and Jamaica for 5 years along sides acts like Mavado, Morgan Heritage and Sizzla. Shortly after, she would share the stage with Wyclef Jean to then make her mark in the HMI alongside Gazzman Couleur in 2010, then Nulook with Arly Lariviere in 2014. Blending elements of African drumming, reggae, soul and R&B while showcasing her profound admiration for her Haitian and African roots, Ada quickly roseto the scene. As a solo artist, Ada continues to make her mark in the industry with performances all throughout the US and Haiti. Singing about life, love, social injustices and staying spiritually connected. Her powerful presence and authenticity continues to captivate audiences everywhere. When the lights dim, and the drums beat, there she is, unpolished but regal, barefoot, smiling as she sings her first notes taking you on a magical journey of simplicity and spirituality. Her debut single and video “Defile” is set to take life in November 2015 fused with influences from Bob Marley, Roberta Flack, Amy Winehouse and world music artists such as Emeline Michel and Boukman Eksperyans. Her album was released in 2016.
JEAN CAZE
Trumpeter/Composer/Producer/Educator Winner of the 2006 International Trumpet Guild Jazz Competition, and the 2004 National Trumpet Jazz Competition, Jean Caze has emerged as one of today’s most beautiful new voices in jazz. Jean has performed and/or recorded with Herbie Hancock, Aretha Franklin, Michael Bublé, Mariah Carey, Al Jarreau, Roy Hargrove, Arturo Sandoval, and George Duke to name a few. Growing up in Queens, NY, Jean began playing the trumpet at age nine and says, “It took three days to get any sound at all out of it”. He went on to be awarded scholarship after scholarship to attend some of the country’s top musical institutions, including the Julliard MAP (Music Advancement Program) where he received his first formal training and the Queens College CPSM (Center for Preparatory Studies in Music) program. Jean’s diverse musical abilities continued to win him numerous awards and recognition, including a free trumpet from VH1’s Save the Music program while in Junior High School, and then a chance to perform with the elite Grammy High School Jazz Band during the 2000 Grammy Awards ceremony. In his senior year, Caze made his debut on national television, performing with the legendary rock group “Chicago” live on NBC from Rockefeller Center. One of Jean’s many scholarships led him to the prestigious Manhattan School of Music where he completed his Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Performance in 2004. While earning his Master degree in music from Florida International University, Jean released his first self produced album entitled “Miami Jazz Scene” in 2006. Before completing his graduate studies at F.I.U., the Haitian-born trumpeter won second place in the prestigious 2007 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Trumpet Competition. In 2009, Jean began his long standing position as part of the teaching faculty at the Litchfield Jazz Camp in 2009. In 2010, Jean accepted a position in Michael Bublé’s touring band, performing as a featured soloist in sold out arenas all over the world. In 2014, Jean officially became a Yamaha artist. In December of 2015, Jean released his second self produced album, “Amédé” where he mixed his Haitian roots with his American background. Jean has received abundant praise from critics, peers and jazz enthusiasts alike who have taken to Jean’s lyrical tone and tasteful ideas. He has been hailed a “True Improviser” and even compared to Miles Davis by fellow trumpet player Carl Saunders. With a sound compared to the likes of Miles Davis, it is no wonder that Jean Caze has achieved such astounding success as a trumpet player. “Strong, and unexpectedly diverse, Mr. Caze confidently evoked Miles Davis on a pensive ballad, “Old Folks,” and a brisk anthem, “My Shining Hour.” -Nate Chinen, The New York Times
Oxygen Box is a live band on a mission to re- train the world to love. It’s not just music, but a movement.
The founding members of include guitarist and vocalist Stanley Chery, lead guitarist and producer Malvo509, and keyboardist and vocalist Natalie Alese. Since first coming together at the MMAC in Bloomfield, NJ in 2010, the band has performed their own live shows and at various events across New Jersey, New York City and Connecticut, produced several official music videos that had a great reception and appeared on local television networks and radio stations. They released an EP entitled Soul Surgery in 2011, a full length album, Move Out in 2013 and has released two singes off of their upcoming album slated for release in Spring 2017. Each musician uniquely different, they came together to produce a fresh new sound. The group has frequently been called “a breath of fresh air” with most commenters unaware the band’s original name was Fresh Air! Their shared interest in being more than just entertaining, but also uplifting is a value that has carried the band through the years.
STARVE MARVE
Born in South Florida by Nigerian immigrants, Starve Marve is an exemplar of the 1st generation American. Consistently torn between American and Afro culture, Starve finds his only balance in the sounds he creates. Greatly encouraged by the individuality of Outkast, Marve traverses cross genre territory influenced by the road trips with his DJ father’s collection of Bob Marley & Fela Kuti, the Boom Bap 90’s he grew up within, and the 8O8’s that have taken over.
GODOBE
ELHADJI MOHAMED
DJ JEFF
Black Liberation, Religion & Spirituality Today
Empress Addi
Empress Addi says, “Just call me Addi.”
Empress Addi is a mother, writer, singer, artist and business owner. This
multi-talented lady has dabbled in radio, TV and is now engulfed in her
first love, music. She’s finishing up her solo-debut album of all
self-written, thought and soul-provoking melodies. She collaborates with
several bands in the South Florida area and does studio work for artists
seeking that edge to their harmonies. When not traveling with a band, Addi
is a College Professor, and Creative Teacher who does live, musically
infused storytelling, drumming and creative writing projects with children
of all ages. She also enjoys her three children, who have watched her grow
both musically and spiritually.
