Jamila Woods, Su 06.07.2025, Gent Jazz Gent

Poet, activist and songwriter, Jamila Woods is all three. The Chicago-born artist began her career as a poet who did not shy away from sharp social criticism and who put black identity, black legacy and feminism front and centre. During her studies at Brown University, she slowly emerged as a performer. When Chance The Rapper, one of the biggest rappers from Chicago, discovered her and contributed towards her debut album 'HEAVN’, the ball began to roll very quickly. Her mix of neo-soul, R&B and poetry deals as many sledgehammer blows as it plucks the sensitive heartstrings. On concept record 'Legacy! Legacy!’ she honours major black creators (Baldwin! Basquiat! Miles!) with chunky hip-hop beats and electro-soul to ensure they are not forgotten while 'Water Made Us’, released in 2023, is an extremely personal exploration to ensure that she does not forget herself. Although she can come across as spiky, she also loves to celebrate life. After all, introspection and exuberance need not be opposites. How that all comes together will be clear at Gent Jazz.

For fans of: Erykah Badu, Solange, Lauryn Hill, Chance The Rapper, Moses Sumney