Broadway Star N’Kenge Drops New Jazz Single and Album Inspired by Ella Fitzgerald
NEW YORK — Broadway powerhouse N’Kenge is set to bring her vocal brilliance back to the spotlight with the release of a brand-new single and live album this August. The celebrated singer will drop her sultry jazz single “Bewitched” on August 8, followed by a full-length album “CenterStage: Live From the Ella Fitzgerald Festival” on August 22.
Both releases will be available on all major streaming platforms, offering fans a front-row seat to a musical tribute that’s as personal as it is powerful.
A Live Tribute to the Queen of Jazz
The album was recorded during N’Kenge’s sold-out headlining performance at the 27th Annual Ella Fitzgerald Festival at the Ferguson Center for the Arts earlier this year. The festival paid homage to one of the greatest voices in music history — and N’Kenge honored Ella with a performance brimming with elegance, passion, and vocal fire.
“This album is more than a performance—it’s a love letter to Ella, to jazz, and to the audiences who continue to believe in the magic of live music,” said N’Kenge.
Virtual Listening Party and Exclusive Fan Access
To mark the release of the album, N’Kenge will host a Virtual Listening Party on August 22 at 12:00 PM ET. The online event will include:
- Behind-the-scenes stories from the album’s creation
- A live Q&A session with N’Kenge
- Appearances by special guests
- Exclusive giveaways
- First-listen previews of the tracks
Fans can RSVP for the virtual event and access more info by visiting nkengemusic.com.
A Voice That’s Conquered Every Stage
N’Kenge is no stranger to world-class stages. She’s starred in major Broadway productions like Motown: The Musical, Caroline, or Change, and Sondheim on Sondheim. She’s also taken the stage at iconic venues such as:
- Carnegie Hall
- Madison Square Garden
- The Kennedy Center
Along the way, she’s performed with musical legends like Wynton Marsalis, Ornette Coleman, and Berry Gordy — proving herself not only a stage star, but a force in the world of live music.
More Than Music: A Mission to Uplift
Outside the spotlight, N’Kenge is pouring her passion into creative and community-driven projects. She’s developing two exciting works:
- A Broadway-bound musical about trailblazing Hollywood icon Dorothy Dandridge
- A TV musical dramedy, Black Butterfly, with Gina Goff of Goff Productions
She also leads the N’Kenge Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring young artists, especially those from underrepresented communities.
Which classic jazz voices have shaped your love of music? Share your favorites and join the conversation at ChicagoMusicGuide.com.