Waleed Kush Afro-Jazz
African Jazz / Folk / Global Roots
The Waleed Kush Afro-Jazz ensemble brings forth ancient African rhythms that explore unique time signatures blended with contemporary harmony and jazz. With this combination, we strive to bring uplifting music during a troubling time so people can listen to our songs and have hope.
Waleed Kush's Afro-Jazz is ever-evolving like the landscape and artists it consists of, with the band in a state of “Becoming.” This state describes the ideology of the band's writing, music, and philosophy: ever-searching, inclusive, with a desire for accessibility and creating a melting pot of traditional African rhythms with the traditions of American jazz harmonies and aesthetics.
Waleed Kush Afro-Jazz does not function as a traditional band, borrowing from African sensibilities of community and teachings, in both the communal way the band operates as a unit and interacts with its audiences, but also in the mentor/mentee way of teaching during workshops. Due to this philosophy, Waleed coined “Humanity Practitioners” to refer to himself and his bandmates. This phrase was created as music is a healing art form, and by playing and interacting with the audience, we are healing ourselves and others.
