Grammy-winning Meshell Ndegeocello presents her new album, dedicated to James Baldwin, at the 32nd Istanbul Jazz Festival.

In the mid-90s, when genres like grunge, hip-hop, R&B, and neo-soul were at their peak, and music became a hub for rebellion, popular culture, and social messages, Meshell Ndegeocello was rising above the remnants of clichés she had shattered with her album Plantation Lullabies, with her bass guitar and powerful baritone voice. She was a central figure in the ‘black music’ movement of the era, alongside artists like Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, and J Dilla. She topped the charts with her collaboration with John Mellencamp on the song ‘Wild Night’ and shook the dance floors with her second album, Peace Beyond Passion (1996). With Bitter (1999), she made a fresh start. She defied the pull of popularity and trends, instead creating a broad sound spectrum by experimenting with various styles, surprising her audience with each new album.

Inspired by Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time, Meshell Ndegeocello’s No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin focuses on the existential struggle of being black in America. With the album, she honours Baldwin’s ideas and advocates for a confrontation about what true peace could look like. Embracing experimental jazz, No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin earned her a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Jazz Album last February.

Meshell Ndegeocello will tell Baldwin’s stories through music at the 32nd Istanbul Jazz Festival.

Doors open: 19.00

This event is for ages 7 and above. Attendees under 18 may join the event accompanied by an adult.

Cloakroom service is not available. Please refrain from bringing a bag larger than a handbag. Suitcases and large backpacks will not be permitted in the venue.

There is no parking available.

The event is partially standing and partially seated. The seats are numbered.

The venue is not suitable for disabled access. Please send an email to bilet@iksv.org with your name, surname, and the concert(s) you will be attending for us to assist disabled audience members to access the concert venue.

Meshell Ndegeocello: Tiny Desk Concert
2024