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Nigerian trumpeter Etuk Ubong captivates Mawazine audience with Afro-jazz fusion
Etuk Ubong, a Nigerian trumpeter and composer, delivered a powerful performance at the Mawazine festival. His Afro-jazz melodies, charged with spiritual force and raw energy, left the audience captivated. Performing at 10:30 p.m. on the international stage at Bouregreg, Ubong’s sound resonated deeply, creating a lasting impression.
Born in 1992 in Akwa Ibom and raised in Lagos, Ubong draws on the cultural depth of his Nigerian roots. He blends highlife, jazz, funk, and traditional Ekombi rhythms, influenced by the legacy of Fela Kuti. His music is more than a fusion—it’s a narrative of heritage, resistance, and identity.
Ubong has become one of the key voices in African jazz. His work bridges tradition and innovation. He calls his philosophy “earth music”—a way to reconnect sound with land and spirit. This vision shaped The Truth, his grassroots venue in Lagos, a gathering place for the city’s creative scene.
His 2020 album Africa Today, recorded direct-to-disc in the Netherlands, reflects this ethos. With an eleven-piece band, the album grounds itself in the Ekombi rhythms of Nigeria’s Cross River state. It offers both groove and message, critiquing post-colonial African politics with urgency—echoing Fela and his sons.
While his early work leaned into hard bop, his recent sound focuses more on vocals and rhythm. The result is a vibrant, danceable experience tied to pan-African ideals. His growing international profile includes shows at the EFG London Jazz Festival and collaborations with Femi Kuti.
Ubong’s music continues to evolve. It entertains, challenges, and inspires. He’s not just shaping African jazz—he’s reshaping it.
