Lakecia Benjamin

Six-time Grammy nominee alto saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin has in recent years established herself as a voice of contemporary jazz. At once an heir to tradition and a figure of its renewal, the New York artist has asserted herself on the international stage with music nourished by jazz, soul, funk and hip‑hop. Before establishing herself as a leader, she also distinguished herself alongside artists such as Missy Elliott, Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder and The Roots. Surrounded by numerous collaborators throughout her career, Lakecia Benjamin has developed an open musical world, driven by energy and a pronounced taste for creative encounters. Lakecia Benjamin will be at New Morning on October 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM.

A turning point came in 2023 with the release of Phoenix, an album shaped by the serious car accident she suffered the previous year. A narrative of rebirth, the record conveys in music her journey of physical and personal recovery. Carried by emotional intensity and a resilient energy, Phoenix confirmed her place on the contemporary jazz scene.

Today, Lakecia Benjamin opens a new chapter with We Dream, her sixth studio album. This project reflects her appetite for artistic collaboration and the creative exchanges that nourish her music. Surrounded by musicians from diverse backgrounds, she sets forth a vision: music capable of bringing light, hope and energy to a world marked by uncertainty.

On stage, the power of her own musical language is evident. With a distinctive sound, commanding stage presence and creativity, Lakecia Benjamin presents an open, spiritual jazz rooted in the present day, where African‑American heritage, groove, improvisation and freedom intersect.