Waleed Kush Afro-Jazz

The Waleed Kush Afro-Jazz ensemble was first established in 2002, formerly known as Radio Nomad which was created in 1993 by Waleed Abdulhamid. During the band’s Radio Nomad days, the band toured throughout the world, performing in many high-profile events such as for the United Nations Day and for UNICEF. In 2002, Waleed decided to focus more heavily on using ancient African Rhythms that he had learned in his youth in Sudan. Due to this shift in focus, the band renamed itself as Waleed Kush Afro-Jazz. The band has changed iterations many times since its inception, with multiple award-winning musicians performing with the band. The band currently consists of a core unit performing together since January 2023: Waleed Abdulhamid on electric bass and vocals, Sarah Lounsbury on keyboards and vocals, Cory Sitek on saxophones, Neil Brathwaite on saxophones, and Simon Miminis on drums.

Waleed Kush has toured extensively throughout Ontario, playing all major Jazz Festivals as well as playing throughout Canada at different times. The band was chosen to perform for the Amnesty International Human Rights Day as well as honoured with an award by the Sudanese American Public Affairs Association; performing as the headlining act in Virginia for the duration of the weekend before being presented an award for the generous contributions from Waleed and the band for the betterment of Sudanese culture. Waleed sings in over 15 African and Western languages, celebrating the African diaspora in Toronto’s Black community. As the band leader, Waleed has received numerous awards for different solo and group projects, being awarded several JUNO’s, GRAMMY’s, Pioneer and DORA awards. The newest iteration of the group has recently been awarded the Toronto Art Council Black Artist Grant and the Ontario Art Council Recording Grant, completing a workshop/concert series in the 2023 year with a full-length album to be released in October 2024. The group has always focused on live performances in Toronto and festivals throughout Canada, as well as releasing singles and live music videos.