EKEP NKWELLE / SATURDAY, MAY 16/ CLEMANS THEATER FOR THE ARTS, 4:30 & 6:30 PM / CAPE MAY CONVENTION HALL DECK STAGE, SUNDAY, SUNDAY, MAY 17, 11:30 & 1:45 PM

The Story

A rising star on the New York jazz scene, 26-year-old Cameroonian-American singer Ekep Nkwelle came to the Big Apple from her hometown of Washington D.C. in 2023 to study at The Juilliard School and shortly thereafter captivated such legendary figures as Wynton Marsalis, who has showcased her with his Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and pianist Kenny Barron, who featured her on two songs from his 2025 album, Songbook. 

Having made stellar appearances at the 2025 Newport Jazz Festival and more recently at the 2026 NYC Winter Jazzfest, Nkwelle is ready to unleash her rich, soulful, soaring voice in her Exit Zero Jazz Festival debut.

The Sound

With a voice that radiates power, passion and warmth, echoing such role models as Abbey Lincoln, Sarah Vaughan and Betty Carter, Ekep brings a fervent gospel-tinged exuberance to jazz that feels timeless. Expect a night of soulful storytelling and music that lingers long after the last note.