Michael Shekwoaga Ode

Michael Shekwoaga Ode is a New York based drummer whose work runs from straight ahead jazz to free improvisation to soul and hip hop sessions. A Nigerian American musician from Durham, he earned a scholarship to the Oberlin Conservatory, where he studied with drummer Billy Hart. He has worked as a sideman with Kenny Garrett, Eddie Henderson, Roy Hargrove, Jimmy Heath, George Coleman, Benny Golson and Gary Bartz, and outside jazz with Van Morrison, Jill Scott and Wyclef Jean. In 2022 he and saxophonist Isaiah Collier released the duo album Beyond under the name I AM, recorded in a single take and reaching back to the saxophone and drums duets of John Coltrane and Rashied Ali. He also composes, sings and teaches, and leads his own groups in New York.