Nigerian afrobeat jazz saxophonist and sensation in the Atlanta music scene (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone Sax) who creatively fashions and blends music inspired by traditional African rhythms while maintaining a Western voice, class, and style.

Shola Emmanuel has increasingly flourished as an Atlanta saxophone player and recording artist who interprets jazz at the core of its actual provenance, Africa.

His signature essence tailors and blends traditional African rhythm with western style pizzazz, the result is a unique Warm, and soulful tune that soothes the heart and delights the ears.

Shola made his first international appearance as a trumpet player at the LeZènith stage in Paris, followed by a performance before a crowd of 80,000 with Andy Narell at the South African jazz Art alive festival in 1999.

He didn’t start playing the Saxophone until 2004 and has not put it down since.
Traveling over 70 countries on all continents, Shola has toured with Andy Narell, Stevie Wonder, Enja of France, Soul band, Rhythm & Sax Orchestra, and Hugh Masekela, among many other collaborative performances on recordings and as a band director and music educator.

His bolstering musical expertise is a three-way street that allows him to share his music, culture, and the gospel.

Shola, a multidimensional talent is not just a fine musician and saxophone player but also an adept IT professional, Database Administrator, and an MBA in Digital Marketing from Wharton School.

In his leisure time, Shola enjoys taking trips and cooking with his family.
He believes that “ there is music in everyone and everything around us if only we’d just stop and listen to feel the rhythm”.

Shola looks forward to passing down an ear for good music to the next generation and shares this with his daughter Lu.