Ugochi Nwaogwugwu

AACM 60th Anniversary Series at the Jazz Showcase
Ugochi Nwaogwugwu  Feb 25

 Ugochi Nwaogwugwu is a multidisciplinary creative. An internationally renowned poet, singer, writer, poetry instructor and founder of Spirit Speaks, Inc., Ugochi has executive produced, written and co-arranged three album projects; African Buttafly, A.S.E. and Love Shot. Chicago Music Awards named Ugochi and her band, African Soul Ensemble (A.S.E.), “Best African Entertainer” in 2005, 2022 and 2023. Her poems have been published in “Storm Between Two Fingers” &  Too Young, Too Loud, Too Different, both international anthologies released in the UK. She is also featured in “Golden Shovel Anthology,” honoring Gwendolyn Brooks, “The Eternal Year of African People,” and “Wherever I’m At” released nationwide.

Ugochi has shared the stage with several established musical artists such as Common, Eric Benet, John Legend, Femi Kuti, Edwin McCain, Seun Kuti, Maxi Priest, Umphrey’s McGee, Richie Stephens, Blitz the Ambassador, Yellowman, J. Ivy, Queen Ifrika, Luciano, Wayna, Femi Kuti, Shaggy, Richie Stephens, Queen Ifrika, Vieux Farka Toure, Tony Allen, Bushman, Fatoumata Diawara, Capleton, Baby Cham, Wayne Wonder and Stephen Marley, King Sunny Ade, Lizz Wright, Me’Schell Ndegeocello and more.

Ugochi’s music, rich with poetic harmonies and uplifting messages, have taken her to many countries around the world, including Paris, Poland, Amsterdam, London, Leeds, Italy as well as Nigeria, Ghana, Brazil, France, Jamaica and Cuba.

Ugochi, a beloved member of her poetry community in Chicago and a member of Malika’s Poetry Kitchen in London, has created an original pan African poetry form called, “Ike,” (pronounced EE-kay) #Ikepoem, paying homage to her Igbo heritage of Nigeria and fostering black appreciation worldwide. She released her first book of poetry & prose entitled Seasons of Separation (S.O.S), in 2023. The work had its world premiere at the Manchester Literature Festival and the London Literature Festival. Ugochi has also written newsworthy blogs and essays for publication including, “Not My President” published by Third World Press. In addition, Ugochi is the Treasurer of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) and Recording Academy Chicago Chapter Secretary.

Host or Publisher Jazz Showcase