Meshell Ndegeocello

Three-time Grammy winner Meshell Ndegeocello has spent more than 30 years creating music that blends soul, jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and rock. Her songs explore themes of love, justice, and personal growth, all grounded in her signature groove. 

A bassist at heart, Ndegeocello is one of the few female artists who writes the music, leads the band, and sings the songs. Her work has pushed boundaries and opened doors for women, queer artists, and Black musicians, challenging expectations while building a loyal following. 

She’s performed with music legends including the Rolling Stones, Madonna, and Alanis Morissette. In 2024, Ndegeocello presented No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin at Strathmore, a powerful homage to the iconic writer and activist. This performance showcased her deep engagement with Baldwin's work, blending music and spoken word to explore themes of race, identity, and social justice.