dauda, saxophonist and rapper, combines jazz with hip-hop and traditional African music for a modern take on Black American Music.

dauda was raised in Baltimore where he was groomed by the city’s leading saxophonists: Carl Grubbs, Tim Green, Jamal Moore, Kevin Robinson, Jackie Blake, Craig Alston, Whit Williams and Dr. Chris Ford. By age thirteen, dauda was a band leader with awards from Baltimore’s City Council, A Good Black Man Inc. and the Baltimore Jazz Alliance. Alongside his mentors, he performed in New York City, Washington D.C. and Baltimore.

dauda attended Baltimore School for the Arts and Oberlin Conservatory. At Oberlin, dauda studied with Baltimore’s jazz icon: Gary Bartz. During his senior year, dauda was awarded the FIGs Grant by Oberlin for a month-long study in Senegal to explore traditional music, reconnect with his heritage and compose a project which reflects his experiences.

“i am dauda" is the culmination of these experiences.

Lafayette Gilchrist and Jamal Moore, two of Baltimore’s leading jazz musicians, will be joining dauda for this performance.

Featuring:

Lafayette Gilchrist - Piano

Jamal Moore - Tenor Sax

Michael Gary II - Guitar

Alex Weber - Bass

Lester Wallace - Drums