Biography
Zem Audu, an award-winning saxophonist, composer, and producer, channels his primary voice through contemporary jazz fused with Afro-beat, Caribbean elements, and club-driven rhythms. Born in Nigeria, he relocated to London alongside his family when he reached the age of three. Growing up in a highly musical environment, he mastered classical guitar and piano on his own before turning to the saxophone. During high school, he encountered Courtney Pine backstage following a performance; the saxophonist discerned distinctive traits in his attitude and musical perspective, which prompted an invitation to an upcoming concert and eventual mentorship. At Trinity College of Music, Audu trained under Jean Toussaint, completing his studies at the head of his class in 2008. That same year he claimed first prize in the Worshipful Company of Musicians Jazz Competition, received a nomination for the Parliamentary Jazz Award as Best Jazz Saxophonist, and earned the Yamaha Jazz Scholars prize.
Extensive performing followed, encompassing appearances alongside Tomorrow's Warriors, Nu-Troop Jazz Jamaica, Ernest Ranglin, Pine, Hugh Masekela, and additional collaborators. In 2010 he moved to Brooklyn, immersing himself in the local jazz community—including work with Jason Moran—while also engaging the reggae and Afro-beat circuits and maintaining a prolonged, multi-year association with the Skatalites. His first release, the widely praised Visions, arrived in 2016; on the recording he performed every instrument himself and promoted it through numerous engagements across New York City. Later that year he joined the roster of Origin Records and promptly recorded with an experienced ensemble featuring pianist Benito Gonzales, bassist Ben Williams, drummer John Davis, and guest guitarist Mike Stern. The resulting album, Spirits, appeared in June and blended contemporary jazz, Afro-beat, Caribbean rhythms, and British and American funk.
Extensive performing followed, encompassing appearances alongside Tomorrow's Warriors, Nu-Troop Jazz Jamaica, Ernest Ranglin, Pine, Hugh Masekela, and additional collaborators. In 2010 he moved to Brooklyn, immersing himself in the local jazz community—including work with Jason Moran—while also engaging the reggae and Afro-beat circuits and maintaining a prolonged, multi-year association with the Skatalites. His first release, the widely praised Visions, arrived in 2016; on the recording he performed every instrument himself and promoted it through numerous engagements across New York City. Later that year he joined the roster of Origin Records and promptly recorded with an experienced ensemble featuring pianist Benito Gonzales, bassist Ben Williams, drummer John Davis, and guest guitarist Mike Stern. The resulting album, Spirits, appeared in June and blended contemporary jazz, Afro-beat, Caribbean rhythms, and British and American funk.
Albums