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Atlanta Saxophone Player

shola emmanuel atlanta saxophonist

The Benefit of Listening to African Rhythmic Music

Listening to African rhythmic music offers a unique cultural experience that enriches your life with vibrant rhythms, fostering a deep connection to African heritage and a sense of joy and energy that transcends borders!

About

Introducing Shola Emmanuel: The Versatile Nigerian Afrobeats Saxophone Player
 
Shola has performed in over 75 countries across all continents. He made his international debut as a trumpet player at Paris’s LeZènith, followed by a performance with Andy Narell in front of 80,000 at the South African Jazz Art Alive Festival in 1999. After transitioning to the saxophone in 2004, his original composition “Modupe” was celebrated as one of the best live jazz performances of 2015.
 
He was honored as the 2022 Best of Duluth Saxophone Player Award Winner, a testament to his dedication and skill in the realm of music. Shola holds esteemed positions as a voting member of The Recording Academy (GRAMMY) and as a valued member of Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI).
 
In his pursuit of excellence, he has dedicated time to exploring new realms and horizons alongside masters of his art in the professional music scene, including legends like Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Andy Narell, Hugh Masekela, Kirk Whalum, Avishai Cohen, Herbie Hancock, Sting, Eric Marienthal, Joshua Redman, Roy Hargrove, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Esperanza Spalding, Muyiwa Kunnuji, Russell Gunn, Joe Grendson, Tosinger, Jemiriye, Mausiki Scales, Bobby Ricketts, Thibault Cauvin, Mario Canonge, and Stephan Wremble, among others.
 
In 2014, the American Embassy in Abuja honored him with an invitation to showcase his music across North America, where his blend of African jazz, highlife, and American swing jazz captivated audiences. He has also collaborated with the Korean Embassy and the Institut Français in Abuja, Nigeria.
 
Shola’s collaborative performances can be heard on various recordings, showcasing his versatility as a musician. As a band director and music educator, he shares his passion and knowledge with others.
 
Beyond his musical talent, he possesses advanced skills in IT, further complementing his diverse expertise, and he is a proud member of the Entrepreneur’s Organization (EO) in Georgia, United States.
 
Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Book Now to Experience the Rhythmic Fusion of Shola Emmanuel's Music!

Rated 5 out of 5

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What To Expect

Professional Saxophone Player Available For Hire In Duluth

Wedding Saxophone Entertainment

Your wedding deserves music as unique as your love story. From ceremony elegance to reception celebration, Shola’s saxophone performances elevate every moment with sophistication and soul.

Corporate Event Saxophonist

Impress clients and energize employees with live saxophone entertainment that transforms corporate gatherings, galas, and conferences into memorable occasions. Professional, polished, and punctual, every time.

Birthday Party Saxophone Music

Make milestone celebrations extraordinary with custom saxophone performances that honor your loved ones. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, the music sets the perfect tone.

Holiday Celebration Entertainment

Seasonal events shine brighter with live music. Shola’s repertoire spans classic holiday favorites to Afrobeat-infused celebrations that reflect diverse traditions.

Experience African Jazz & Afrobeat Saxophone Excellence

Shola Emmanuel doesn’t just play the saxophone, he tells stories through music. Every note carries the rich heritage of African rhythms blended with Western jazz sophistication.

This unique fusion, perfected through decades of international performance and collaboration, creates an experience your guests won’t find anywhere else.

3. Saxophonists Are Lovers

Saxophonists are lovers

Because they take pain and sorrow

And they turn it into music

Transforming the negative energy

Into love

Into passion.

 

Saxophonists are lovers because they caress their woodwinds

They dig deep into their souls

And extract these smooth sounds of jazz

While we remain vigilant upon a world

That has been blessed by their melody

Saxophonists melt their essence

            into their instrument

They pour their heart out

And sacrifice a piece of themselves

To create their beautiful music.

 

Saxophonists are determined

They defeat all the obstacles

Because there is no reward with no effort

And their passion fills up any room

Through their smooth sounds of jazz.

 

Saxophonists are strong

Their mind goes over their bodies

As they squeeze out their lungs

Blowing into their brass

To give us the sounds

That we’re all cheering for.

 

Saxophonists are skilled

Because their talent is real

And their raw potential is multiplied

By the consistency of their efforts

As they reach the stars

And achieve success.

 

Saxophonists are smooth

Because their silken spell of chimes

Soothes any soul

And calms any mind

Feeding the hearts

With blues and jazz.

 

Saxophonists are lovers because they heal the world

They mystify the meaning of jazz and blues

And add their unique flair to the sounds

Leaving their mark in the world

And touching hearts

As they elevate their performance

With human emotion

And delicate touch.

 

Saxophonists are lovers because they don’t hold back

They give it all for their music

Any means necessary.

Saxophonists are humans

That have evolved into messengers

Of divine sounds

That echo in the soul.

Saxophonists are lovers because they would never destroy

All they do is create

And make art.

Award-Winning Afrobeat Jazz Saxophonist Duluth

Finding the perfect live musician who can transform your event from ordinary to extraordinary isn’t easy. You need someone who understands your vision, delivers exceptional musicianship, and creates an atmosphere your guests will remember for years. That’s where experience, versatility, and cultural authenticity make all the difference.

Saxophone Player USA: Finding the Right Saxophonist for Your Event

You’re searching for a saxophone player in the USA, but you’re not just looking for someone who can play notes, you need an artist who understands your vision, delivers exceptional musicianship, and brings authenticity to every performance. T

he challenge? America has thousands of saxophonists, but finding one with international credibility, versatile repertoire, and proven excellence feels overwhelming.

That’s the difference between hiring any saxophone player and booking a true professional who transforms your event into an unforgettable experience.

Famous Saxophonists Who Shaped American Music

Jazz Legends and Contemporary Masters

There are many famous saxophonists whose artistry has defined American music culture. Jazz legends like Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and Sonny Rollins revolutionized the instrument, establishing saxophone as the voice of American jazz innovation. Their groundbreaking improvisations, harmonic explorations, and emotional depth set standards that continue inspiring musicians today.

Contemporary artists such as James Carter and Donny McCaslin carry this legacy forward, pushing boundaries while honoring tradition. These saxophonists demonstrate that mastery requires decades of dedication, continuous evolution, and deep understanding of musical heritage.

International Excellence Meets American Artistry

Shola Emmanuel brings a unique perspective to American saxophone performance, interpreting jazz in the African jazz style while maintaining Western voice, class, and sophistication. As a saxophone player and recording artist, he creatively fashions and blends music that feeds off traditional African rhythm while honoring American jazz traditions established by the legends.

Musical Versatility and Repertoire

Professional saxophonists should seamlessly navigate multiple genres:

  • Traditional Jazz: Standards from the Great American Songbook
  • Contemporary Jazz: Smooth jazz, fusion, and modern compositions
  • Afrobeat/World Music: Global rhythms and cultural authenticity
  • Popular Music: R&B, soul, pop, and current hits
  • Classical: Formal technique and orchestral knowledge

 

Shola’s Range: Blends African jazz, highlife, American swing jazz, and contemporary styles. Original compositions like “Modupe” (celebrated as one of 2015’s best live jazz performances) demonstrate creative artistry beyond cover performances.

Cultural Authenticity and Unique Perspective

What distinguishes exceptional saxophonists from competent players is their unique artistic voice. Shola Emmanuel offers something rare in the American saxophone landscape, authentic African jazz interpretation learned from the source, not imitated from recordings.

His performances don’t just play Afrobeat; they embody the cultural heritage that created it, refined through collaborations with African jazz pioneers like Hugh Masekela and Andy Narell, then blended with American jazz sophistication.

The Difference Between Amateur and Professional Saxophone Players

Understanding Quality Tiers in USA Saxophonists

Not all saxophone players offer the same value. Understanding these distinctions helps you make informed hiring decisions:

Amateur/Student Level

  • Basic technique and limited repertoire
  • Inconsistent tone quality and pitch
  • Minimal stage experience
  • Suitable for casual gatherings with modest expectations

Semi-Professional/Working Musicians

  • Solid technical skills and broader repertoire
  • Regular gigging experience
  • Reliable performance quality
  • Good choice for standard event entertainment

Professional/Master Level

  • Exceptional technique and distinctive artistic voice
  • International performance experience
  • Original compositions and recordings
  • Industry recognition and credentials
  • Suitable for high-profile events demanding excellence

Shola Emmanuel operates at the master level the tier where saxophone playing transcends entertainment and becomes art. His transition from trumpet (1999) to saxophone (2004) demonstrates the deliberate skill development that separates professionals from masters.

Saxophone Styles and Genres in American Music

Understanding Different Approaches to Saxophone Performance

Professional saxophone players in the USA specialize in various styles:

Traditional Jazz and Bebop

Following the lineage of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, this style emphasizes complex harmonies, rapid improvisation, and virtuosic technique. Essential for jazz clubs and traditional events.

Smooth Jazz and Contemporary

Influenced by artists like Grover Washington Jr. and David Sanborn, this accessible style works beautifully for corporate events, weddings, and cocktail settings.

Afrobeat and World Music Fusion

Blending African rhythms with jazz improvisation creates energetic, culturally rich performances. This is Shola Emmanuel’s specialty

Book Now to Experience the Rhythmic Fusion of Shola Emmanuel's Music!

Rated 5 out of 5

Complete the 3 steps for a call back!

Step 1: select your event location
Step 2: pick your Goal
Step 3: fill out consultation form

Atlanta Saxophone Player Georgia

Shola Emmanuel, a versatile Nigerian Afrobeats saxophonist, and Atlanta Saxophone Player in Georgia interpret jazz by starting with its true source, Africa. Emmanuel is also a recording artist.

His distinctive technique tailors and fuses traditional African rhythm with western style pizzazz, creating a singular Warm, soulful song that soothes the heart and pleases the ears.

He plays as a solo musician, a full band for wedding entertainment, corporate events, drinks reception, and a wide range of repertoire in the Atlanta GA area.

At the LeZènith stage in Paris, Shola made his debut as a trumpet player for an audience of 80,000 people. This was followed in 1999 by a performance with Andy Narell in front of the South African jazz Art alive festival.

He didn’t start playing the saxophone until 2004, and the wow factor since then continued to perform jazz standards alongside great players in Duluth and musicians of other instruments in Georgia, including bass guitarists, jazz drummers, trumpet players, tenor saxophone players, acoustic guitar singers, and classical musicians to bass guitar icons.

Shola worked on records and toured in over 73 countries across all continents with artists such as Hugh Masekela, who is a Grammy awards winner, the Soul Band, the Rhythm & Sax Orchestra, Andy Narell, Stevie Wonder, Enja of France, and many others. She has also worked as a band director and music educator.

His growing musical knowledge is a three-way street that enables him to spread the gospel, his music, and his culture.

Shola is a multidimensional artist who holds degrees in digital marketing from the Wharton School of Business, database administration, and superb musicianship on the saxophone.

The famous Atlanta Saxophone Player likes to travel and cook with his family in his free time and also enjoys listening to saxophonists play songs like a careless whisper.

Shola shares this with his daughter Lu and looks forward to fostering the next generation’s appreciation of fine music.

If we would simply stop, stop, stop, and listen to sense the beat, there is music in everyone and everything around us, according to him.

Looking For Saxophone Player in Atlanta

Are you looking for a unique and dynamic way to spice up your next event? Exciting afrobeats music from an Atlanta saxophone player does it all for you.

Hire a saxophone player that brings the exciting sounds of Nigerian afrobeats music to the party! Whether you’re looking for a high-energy performance or some more laid-back tunes, hiring a saxophonist in the person of Shola Emmanuel to offer everyone is your best shot.

Atlanta Saxophone player

What is Afrobeats Music?

Afrobeats music is a unique and dynamic form of music, originating from Nigeria and popularized throughout the African continent. It has been gaining popularity in the United States in recent years and has become the go-to genre for many music lovers.

Afrobeats typically feature vibrant dance rhythms, along with horns, keyboards, and percussion instruments, as well as lyrics in African languages.

Adding an Atlanta saxophone player to your event is a great way to bring in an extra element of excitement and energy. A saxophonist performing the unique sound of the Afrobeats style of music that’s sure to get your audience dancing.

Atlanta saxophonist, Shola Emmanuel offers a memorable experience that will make your event stand out, whether he plays classic Nigerian Afrobeats music or remix well-known songs into an Afrobeats style.

So, if you’re looking for a unique twist on Afrobeats music for your next event, consider hiring the best Atlanta saxophone player to bring the party to life!

With over 7 years of experience in the Atlanta area, Shola Emmanuel is more than qualified to bring live entertainment to any occasion.

The best thing about working with Atlanta saxophone player, Shola Emanuel? You don’t need any special equipment because he’ll have his own instrument on hand for your event!

He provides high-quality performance and rates are extremely competitive. The only thing left to do now is picking a date so that you can make it happen!

In recent years, afrobeats music has become one of the most popular music genres in Africa. With its vibrant rhythms and upbeat tempo, afrobeats music is sure to get everyone on their feet and dancing the night away! And with the added element of an Atlanta saxophone player, your event will be sure to be a success.

Your event will be elevated by hiring a skilled saxophonist like Shola Emmanuel, who will provide your guests with an unforgettable experience they’ll be talking about for weeks.

Saxophone Musician In Atlanta, GA

Every music artist has a thing or two that influences their style of music and for Shola Emmanuel, it is not any different. Music is unifying, and uplifting and adds essence to any event, it adds value to the moment depending on what you choose to do with it at the time. Though the essence of music influences how an artist expresses himself but more importantly is what drives the artist from within.

This could be the drive to correct societal ills, the need to speak about love and hatred, or talk about a life experience that can be a saving grace for another soul, otherwise, an artist may just be producing noise. 

Therefore, Shola’s style choice is seen in how he shares his music, culture, and gospel. This is why people from Nigeria and beyond subscribe to his music which goes a long way to define his music as a universal language. And though his music can move anyone to the dance floor both children and adults, young and old, it is still not for the faint in listening. It is for those who can internalize and externally express their inner emotions while having fun.  

For the culture, Shola expounds “the dimension African music took has always fascinated me and guided me in my own musical journey with concerns…that is why I named my AfroJazz…my music is standardized and sometimes relates with folks like Richard Bona.

Please note that the locations of performances in Atlanta vary based on the type of event, Shola can be found playing at lake city, lithia springs, Duluth Atlanta ga, pine lake, stone mountain, red oak, union city, college park, Avondale estates, and with a perfect vendor, it could be background music at wedding party or events at the city capitol.

How Atlanta's Saxophone Player is Keepin' the Gospel Alive: Podcast

Atlanta is home to a vibrant and diverse music culture, and one of its own saxophone players is keeping the gospel alive through its music. With the blend of peace faction, raised on the third day, artificially intelligent, and corinthians 15, the artist is bringing a new sound to the gospel.

Not only is Shola Emmanuel creating state-of-the-art music, but he is also incorporating cultural stories and the word of God in his lyrics. By doing so, he is helping to spread the gospel throughout Atlanta and beyond. Join us as we explore how this Atlanta saxophone player is keeping the gospel alive.

The Atlanta saxophone player is a vital figure in the city’s gospel, music, and culture. His presence brings a sense of peace and faction to those who appreciate his talent.

Raised on the Third Day, a belief system based on Corinthians 15, he brings state-of-the-art music to the ears of many. As a son of God, his cultural stories provide a sense of belonging and acceptance. Furthermore, his word Gospel paints an image of salvation and hope for those in attendance. 

The saxophone player helps to keep the Gospel alive by providing a unique interpretation and sound that can be enjoyed by all. Through his creative stylings, listeners are inspired to embrace their culture and learn more about faith-based music. Even in times of doubt, the music created by this artist has the ability to transcend any mood.

Overall, the saxophone player is an inspirational figure in the Atlanta community and beyond. His artistry and spirit bring joy and enlightenment to those who hear him perform. With each note he plays, he spreads the message of love, compassion, and hope throughout the world.