Ekep Nkwelle’s “Caged Bird”
In a brief Q and A with Ekep last spring, we asked Ekep when we would see her first album. Below is her answer. (Skip to the end of the post for more of this interview.)
“Though I can’t tell you much, I can say that the album is coming out later this year, and I’m really excited to be partnering with a record label I’ve admired for a while now. The band, music, visuals, team, and tour for this next phase in my career exceed what I could have imagined when I started this process in 2023. Rest assured, the wait is finally over!”
Yes, the wait is over. It’s here!
Ekep’s first album, “Caged Bird,” is now available. The album is described by her Mack Avenue label as “Inspired by Maya Angelou's ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,’ the record details a journey from sorrow to inspiration, representing human suffering and the pursuit of a better future. Experience her story firsthand through 9 songs filled with the poise of a seasoned artist and the urgency of someone with something profound to say.”
Nkwelle chose her songs carefully. They are a mix of traditional hymns, laments and upbeat songs on breakups and relationships, and songs of resilience.
“Early One Morin’” starts with only her voice, clapping, and a bit of percussion before the piano comes in. Although she’s singing about a breakup, it comes across as a foot-tapping, even joyful, song of moving on. On the classic “Good Morning, Heartache,” Nkwelle’s voice and phrasing infuse the song with deep sorrow but also the knowledge that she will survive and someday say goodbye to heartache.
We did not hear the songs on this album in Boise (except “Caged Bird”) last spring. But this album will bring back the emotion and authenticity that Ekep brought to the stage. It’s not something you want to miss.
Listen to Good Morning, Heartache.
Playlist
1. His Eye Is on the Sparrow
2. Caged Bird
3. Night Song
4. Amazon Farewell
5. Good Morning, Heartache
6. Early One Mornin'
7. The Sad Ones
8. The Creator Has a Master Plan
9. See See Rider
Personnel
Ekep Nkwelle: Vocals (All)
Julius Rodriguez: Piano (3-9)
Russell Hall: Upright bass (2-9)
Brian Richburg Jr: Drums (2-9), Tambourine (6)
Luther Allison: Piano (1, 2), Percussion (6)
The interview, continued
Ekep, you've been touring extensively this year (2026). What kind of vibe are you picking up from your audiences?
Every audience has been unique this year! I really enjoyed the run we just had in California. I tried out some new arrangements this year, and the audiences loved them all. It’s so shocking because I always rehearse an arrangement with my band and then feel too scared to perform it, but they always force me to anyway!
The music is one thing, but I know the audience also enjoys seeing how we all interact on stage because we have deep love for each other and for the music we steward. An audience favorite has been our “Taking a Chance On Love / I’m in the Mood for Love / Moody’s Mood for Love” medley. It was supposed to be reserved for the February set, but I may get in trouble if I sing it in a handful of cities and not all the others!
A few years ago, you wrote lyrics and recorded Buck Hill's "The Sad Ones" with Cyrus Chestnut. And you've also done an arrangement of Max Roach & Oscar Brown Jr.’s 1960 “All Africa" that you performed at Jazz at Lincoln Center. What can you tell us about this side of your creativity?
I love to write. Before I truly realized I could sing well, I was writing poems, then songs, and then short, realistic fiction stories. I remember growing up, I always loved hearing stories, so I guess that’s how I started writing lyrics like “The Sad Ones.” It reads as a short story, and it is.
As for arrangements, that creative outlet started in my junior year of undergrad at Howard University. I usually hear or randomly think of a song I like, and an idea slowly develops. Soon after, I go into tunnel-vision mode and can’t lose focus until the arrangement is complete. Sometimes it takes a while — maybe from when I wake up until 5 a.m. the next morning. I’m not sure why I’m like that! Eventually, I take the arrangement to my band, and over time, it becomes our arrangement. I’ve never cared about keeping the integrity of my initial ideas. The people in my band are brilliant, so I’d be remiss not to show them off!
What have you been listening to lately?
If anyone saw Cecile’s (Cécile McLorin Salvant) set at Newport last year, then you probably heard me yell from the crowd for her to sing “Oh Snap” as her finale (which she did)! That entire album has gone platinum in my apartment. That album sounds like the times, especially the title track. With everything going on in the world, people are desperate for moments of joy, and a lot of us express joy through movement. That’s a dance track, and it’s on repeat!
I’ve also been in a live album phase now that I’m slowly curating a new set, listening to tracks from Dianne Reeves’ "In the Moment" and Kurt Elling with James Morrison’s "Live in New York." I even went to see Somi live at Dizzy’s for the second installment of her Mother Africa Salon. It was my second time seeing her live, and this time I brought four friends who are now happily converted Somi fans! I also loved the John P. Kee Tiny Desk concert from last month because I grew up on his music, and coming up, I was more influenced by male gospel singers than anyone else.