Biography

 The erudite Nigerian Saxophonist is popularly known to many in Nigeria as Shola Sax of the ‘Rhythm and Sax‘ fame, the charismatic founder and leader of the renowned jazz ensemble.

Mr. Emmanuel made his first international appearance as a trumpet player at the LeZènith stage in Paris, followed by a performance before a crowed of 80,000 with Andy Narell at South Africa Art alive festival in 1999. Began to play the saxophone in 2004. His original composition Modupe. is regarded as one of the best live jazz performance of 2015. 

Shola’s bolstering musical expertise is a three-way street that allows him share his music, culture and gospel, which he has successfully done locally and internationally. With his specialization in orchestration.

His affinity with music has gone beyond just playing the saxophone to building relationships that bridge gaps, transcends barriers and speaks deeply to those who have come to love his passionate approach to music.

A brief introduction to his collaborations include performances with Bobby Ricketts at the US Department of State’s Art Envoy program; French artists Thibault Cauvin, CAB (Caraïbes Afrique Brésil ), Mario Canonge (Piano), Blick Bassey (Singer Guitarist), Adriano Tenoriodd (Percussionist) and recordings with the French International School; and America’s Stephan Wremble, Henhouse Prowlers. In 2014, at the French Embassy Abuja, Nigeria played host to Shola Emmanuel Rhythm & Sax.

Shola starred at Daniel Pearl’s world music days celebration, in the concert theme “Harmony for Humanity“, and a tribute to Daniel Pearl, James Foley, Steven Sotloff and David Haines by Steven Hendrix. 

The Nigerian artists has also taken his unique Afro Jazz style across borders, and was privileged work with world class musicians such as Matteo Pastorino (Switzerland), Jean Baptist Pinet (France), Bertrand Bernard (Norway), Rafael Paseiro (The Congo), Johan Blanc (America), and Michele Anna Artiste (France). The program agenda included Teaching African Music/Rhythms, excursions, performances and studio recording.

In 2014, Nigeria honored Shola Emmanuel Rhythm & Sax with an invitation to perform a series of live concerts to the North American audience in the Fall of 2014. Gracing stages from Atlanta, Georgia to New England, New York, and New Jersey. 

Welcomed with warm applause, the soulful rhythm of Mr. Emmanuel’s blend of African highlife and America swing jazz, was enjoyed in some of America’s coziest jazz spots and celebrated performance centers. 

His sharing of music and culture of Africa with the American audience initiated amazing collaborations with noted US artists, students and an eager audience. 

In his bid to align himself with masters of the genre, he has spent time exploring new realms and horizons with masters of his art at the professional music scene, including Quincy Jones, Kirk Whalum, Avishai Cohen, Herbie Hancock, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Eric Mariental, Joshua Redman, Roy Hargrove, Eric Essix, Alicia Keys, Mary J Blige, Esperanza, Muyiwa Kunnuji, Russell Gunn, Joe Grendson, amongst others.

And not only is Shola a fine musician, but he’s also got advanced skills in Information technology.