Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah

Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah, formerly known as Christian Scott, is a two-time Edison Award winner and six-time Grammy Award nominee recognized for his contributions as a trumpeter, multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, and sonic architect in the modern jazz industry. Adjuah is the grandson of Big Chief Donald Harrison Sr. and the nephew of NEA Jazz Master and saxophonist Donald Harrison Jr., under whose guidance he began his musical training at age 13. After graduating from the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, Adjuah attended Berklee College of Music on a full scholarship, completing a degree in professional music and film scoring in 30 months. NPR has described Adjuah as ushering in a new era of jazz, while JazzTimes Magazine has highlighted his influence on jazz style.

Adjuah is known as the creator of "Stretch Music," a jazz-rooted, genre-blind approach that expands jazz's rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic boundaries to include diverse styles and cultures. This philosophy is evident in his catalog, which includes albums such as "Stretch Music," "Axiom," and "Centennial Trilogy." His discography features more than 13 studio recordings, four live albums, and a greatest hits collection. Adjuah is also the founder and CEO of the Stretch Music App and Recording Company, an interactive platform designed to enhance music practice, listening, and learning for musicians.

In addition to his recordings, Adjuah is recognized for his work in instrument design. His custom brass instruments, including the Adjuah Trumpet, the Siren, and the Sirenette, are produced through Adams Musical Instruments and reflect his focus on expanding the sonic range of jazz. He also developed the Adjuah Bow, a double-sided electric harp that combines elements of West African donso n'goni, kamele n'goni, kora, and electric guitar. This instrument is featured on his album "Bark Out Thunder Roar Out Lightning," which was named Best Jazz Album by the New York Times. On this album, Adjuah uses his voice and self-designed instruments to explore the musical traditions of New Orleans Black Indians, West Africa, and the African diaspora.

Adjuah has collaborated with artists such as Prince, Thom Yorke of Radiohead, McCoy Tyner, Marcus Miller, Flea, Eddie Palmieri, Robert Glasper, Yasiin Bey, and Talib Kweli. He has contributed music to films including "Bill and Ted Face the Music" and "The Photograph." His honors include the Herb Alpert Award in the Arts, the Doris Duke Performing Arts Award, Jazz FM's Innovator of the Year Award, the Jazz Journalists Association's Trumpeter of the Year Award, and recognition in Ebony Magazine's 30 Young Leaders Under 30. As the Chieftain and OBA of the Xodokan Nation of Maroons and Grand Griot of New Orleans, Adjuah brings cultural authority and a focus on the traditions of jazz, African diaspora music, and New Orleans heritage to his work.