Kevin Nathaniel on Mbira, Sylvain Leroux on Fula Flute

A visionary musician who, with voice and ancient African instruments, channels sound as a universal healing force. Together, breathing rhythms to the beat of our synchronized hearts, Kevin Nathaniel resonates songs of unity and the “big picture” of love in beautiful ways! A long-time devotee of mbira, kalimba, circle song, drum, dance, meditation, and yoga; a world-traveled music healer sharing the musical medicine of the ancient, the now, and the beyond, Kevin Nathaniel brings a fresh, deep experience of the beauty of sound. Kevin Nathaniel’s music is an invitation for all to come together, to share in song, laughter, positivity, movement, prayer, and breath.

Kevin Nathaniel was “called” to music by the magical sound of the mbira immediately and mysteriously after graduating “Scholar of the House” at Yale University. He then worked closely with legendary Zimbabwean mbira master Ephat Mujuru for many years. Kevin continues the mbira/kalimba legacy, creatively working to expand upon it. He has worked with a great variety of artists including Alice Walker, Oprah Winfrey, Jonathan Demme, Thomas Mapfumo, Miriam Makeba, Bobby McFerrin, Niles Rodgers, Madonna, Philip Glass, and Nana Vasconcelos.

A pioneer of African/Jazz collaborations, Sylvain Leroux is a foremost player of the “Fula flute,” the traditional flute from Guinea. He was selected as “Rising Flute Star” by the Downbeat Magazine Critics’ Poll for many years, achieving the 2nd spot in 2019. As a bandleader, he brought traditional West African music to Zankel Hall with his Fula Flute Ensemble and held the fort for more than a decade at New York’s Zinc Bar with his African Jazz group “Source”. His 2002 CD “Fula Flute,” that achieved cult status, stimulated a worldwide interest in the instrument and his 2012 album “Quatuor Creole” was hailed as “a perfect contemporary music release.” He curated New York’s “Griot Summits” that featured performances by 25 West African griots from five countries. He has performed and recorded with Emeline Michel, Adam Rudolph, Karl Berger, Hassan Hakmoun, Billy Martin, and many West African stars.

Starts at 7:30. Free with your meal. Everything is Eshi.

Music at Bunna Cafe, Under The Grass Roof.