Kemba Cofield

Biography Kemba Cofield captures the essence of every song she sings by painting a colorful portrait with each lyric, sharing her story that encompasses her joys and pains. She eagerly leads us through a path that celebrates the past and present with sensuality and richness. Her crisp articulation shines through to her soul; and it isn’t until then, that we really meet Kemba Cofield: the internationally known jazz vocalist, recording artist, writer, composer, talent extraordinaire. "I don't just consider myself a vocalist but a storyteller," she says. "If I'm talking about love, I convey that emotion to the audience."

This passionate display of musicianship has entertained diverse audiences nationwide including performances at some of the finest venues such as the Philadelphia Museum, Atlanta’s prestigious High Museum and the New York’s Historic Lenox Lounge. Kemba’s vocal skills have offered her the opportunity to share the stage with Wycliffe Gordon, Wynton Marsalis, Sean Jones, Zapp Band, Midnight Star, Don Braden, The Aaron Goldberg Trio, Takana Miyamoto, Freddie Cole, Rene Marie, and other famed musicians and jazz greats.

The independent premier release of Shades of Kemba in 2005 sustained Kemba Cofield’s place in the music industry. Shades of Kemba matched her powerful resonance with her influential personality, depicting her growth into an established jazz artist. Her first project was completed with collaborations with Wycliffe Gordon, Victor Goines, Marcus Printup, Reginald Veal, R. Doron Johnson and Alvin Atkinson. Since the release of her sophomore album, Kemba Cofield Live in Atlanta, Kemba has had an amazing career headlining the 2008 Atlanta Jazz Festival, the National Black Arts Festival and performing at Lincoln Center, the world’s leading jazz performing arts center.

Originally from Frankfort, KY, Kemba relies on her spiritual guidance to remain rooted on her musical path. She credits her stage flair, personality and precision to the legendary Queens of Jazz, Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald. Kemba masterfully combined her spirituality and performance technique while starring in the internationally known 2006 Telly Award winning production “Eternity.”

As the 2008-2009 winner of the “Future of Jazz Straight Ahead Vocalist” competition, Kemba is moving to her polyrhythmic beat and the world is responding. Her desire and determination is the force that keeps her soaring in today’s music industry.

Awards

1990-1991 Miss Franklin County High School
1993-1994 Miss Pride of Kentucky State University
1995-1996 Miss Lexington Kentucky
1995-1996 Miss Kentucky State University
1996-1997 Miss Black Kentucky
1996-1997 National Deans List
1997-1998 Miss Black Ohio
1997-1998 National Dean’s List
1998-1999 Dedicated Service Award Sears and Roebuck, Inc.
2006-2007 National Dean’s List
2007-2008 Semi Finalist American Traditions Competition
2008-2009 Future of Jazz Straight Ahead Vocalist Winner

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