Zem Audu
Quick Info
- Genres: Not specified
- Instruments: background vocals, saxophone, keyboard, bass guitar, guitar
- Spotify Popularity: 3/100
- Followers: 63
- Born: 1986, Nigeria
Biography
Zem Audu is a Grammy-winning saxophonist, composer, and producer born in Nigeria in 1986 and raised in London from age three before establishing himself in Brooklyn, New York. His musical journey began in childhood when he taught himself classical guitar and piano, eventually settling on the saxophone as his primary instrument of expression. He pursued formal training at the prestigious Trinity College of Music in London, where he studied independently with renowned saxophonist Courtney Pine and with Jean Toussaint, graduating top of his class in 2008. During his time in London, Audu became a formative presence in the city's groundbreaking Tomorrow's Warriors jazz scene, earning recognition through multiple awards including first place in the 2008 Worshipful Company Of Musicians Jazz Competition, a nomination for a Parliamentary Jazz Award for Best Jazz Saxophonist, and the Yamaha Jazz Scholars prize.
After relocating to New York, Audu became a fixture at Harlem's iconic St. Nick's Pub, where he honed his craft alongside other accomplished musicians. His career expanded significantly through international touring as saxophonist and frontman with reggae legends The Skatalites, experiences that deeply influenced his evolving musical aesthetic. His critically acclaimed debut album Spirits, released in 2017 on Origin Records and featuring legendary guitarist Mike Stern, marked a significant milestone in his evolution as a bandleader and improviser. The album showcased his ability to blend contemporary jazz, Nigerian afrobeat, Caribbean rhythms, and funk grooves—a sonic palette drawn from his transcontinental life experiences.
Audu's current artistic direction moves beyond traditional jazz into a genre-bending fusion of afrobeat, electronic textures, cinematic jazz, and dance-floor energy. As both a saxophonist and producer, he has collaborated with major artists including Taylor Swift, Bleachers, Kendrick Lamar, and Steel Pulse, establishing himself as a versatile sonic visionary. His work has garnered international press attention, including features in the New York Times. With his upcoming EP You Can't Catch Me, Audu continues to evolve as an artist, creating music designed for holistic movement—body, mind, and soul.
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Fun Facts
- Audu was born in Nigeria but immigrated to London with his family at age three, giving him a unique transcontinental perspective that deeply influences his music blending African, Caribbean, and contemporary Western sounds.
- Before settling on saxophone as his primary instrument, Audu was self-taught on both classical guitar and piano, demonstrating early musical versatility that continues to inform his production work.
- He performed as frontman and featured saxophonist with The Skatalites, one of the world's most iconic reggae bands, bringing his own creative energy to a legendary group that shaped Caribbean music history.
- Audu's work has evolved from traditional jazz into a genre-bending fusion sound, with his upcoming EP You Can't Catch Me representing a deliberate artistic transformation that moves beyond his jazz roots into electronic and dance-floor oriented production.
Associated Acts
- Bleachers - background vocals (2023–present)
- Bleachers - saxophone (2023–present)
- Bleachers - keyboard (2023–present)
- Jason & The Angrynotes
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Courtney Pine - Independent saxophone study and formative influence on Audu's technical development (Personal instruction and mentorship) [Pre-2008]
- Jean Toussaint - Formal saxophone instructor at Trinity College of Music (Trinity College of Music curriculum and instruction) [2000s]
Key Collaborators
- Mike Stern - Featured guitarist on debut album Spirits (Spirits (2017)) [2017]
- The Skatalites - International touring as saxophonist and frontman with reggae legends (Live performances and tours including Ostroda Reggae Festival 2014) [2010s]
- Taylor Swift - Producer and saxophonist collaboration (Various projects) [2010s-2020s]
- Bleachers - Producer and saxophonist collaboration (Various projects) [2010s-2020s]
- Kendrick Lamar - Producer and saxophonist collaboration (Various projects) [2010s-2020s]
- Steel Pulse - Producer and saxophonist collaboration (Various projects) [2010s-2020s]
- Jason Moran - Recording and performance collaborations (Various recordings) [2000s-2010s]
- Hugh Masekela - Recording and performance collaborations (Various recordings) [2000s-2010s]
- Plan B - Recording and performance collaborations (Various recordings) [2000s-2010s]
- Paloma Faith - Recording and performance collaborations (Various recordings) [2000s-2010s]
Discography
Top Tracks
- Skaramouche (Gringo)
- Sampa (Gringo)
- Visions (Voyager)
- Rhythm People (Voyager)
- Visions (Visions)
- Rhythm People (Rhythm People)
- African Yute (Apocalyptic Son)
- Sunrise (Electronic Isotopes)
- Rootz Warrior (feat. Zem Audu) - Step-A EP Dub Version (Step-A Riddm - Warrior King Meets Bionic Clarke)
External Links
- Spotify
- [Wikipedia](Not found in search results)
- MusicBrainz
Heard on WWOZ
Zem Audu has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 1, 2025 | 16:15 | Dragonfrom Spirits | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Maryse Dejean |