Jazz has long served as a vehicle for creativity, personal expression and the quest for social and political justice. Watu Utungo, led by renowned Columbus-area drummer James Gaiters, will perform in an intimate setting at the Jazz Academy, followed by an open discussion with the band along with special guests on the topic of jazz and its role in the civil rights movement – yesterday, today and tomorrow. This program is presented in partnership with the King Arts Complex and their project: “MLK: 50 Years Later”.

WATU UTUNGO is a Columbus-based music collective that brings together Afro-Pop, Soul Jazz, R&B, Hip-Hop, and Gospel sounds. WATU UTUNGO, which translates to ‘Rhythmic People’ in Swahili is helmed by drummer James Gaiters. Other members include: Eddie Bayard/Saxophone; Lee Savory/Trumpet & Flugelhorn; Myles Tate/Keyboards; DJ Krate Digga/Turntables, Loops and Sounds; and Dwight Bailey/Bass.