Emmanuel Michael

Emmanuel Michael

Emerging Jazz Maverick

Fresh, genre-blending guitar voice rooted in Ugandan & South Sudanese heritage, with bold jazz tradition and improvisational innovation.

jazzcontemporary jazz

About

Born in South Dakota to Ugandan and South Sudanese parents, Emmanuel Michael is a New York–based guitarist and composer who studies at the Manhattan School of Music. They gained attention via Herbie Hancock Institute’s Peer-to-Peer program and now lead The Emmanuel Michael Group while performing and recording with Ambrose Akinmusire, Dayna Stephens, and Marcus Gilmore. Recipient of The Jazz Gallery’s 2024 Residency Commission.

Music Style

Michael weaves lyricism, ambient reverb, and layered textures into compositions that alternate between meditative themes and dynamic rhythmic shifts, echoing both jazz lineage and diasporic traditions.

Background

Hometown
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
Education
Manhattan School of Music
Instruments
guitar
Active
2020s-present

Similar Artists

If you like Gilad Hekselman, Mike Moreno — you'll love Emmanuel Michael

Gilad Hekselman
Shared emphasis on lyrical guitar tone, ambient textures and melodic jazz improvisation.
85%
Mike Moreno
Combination of harmonic sophistication and expressive guitar voice similar in emotional range and tonality.
80%

Notable Collaborations

Ambrose AkinmusireDayna StephensMarcus Gilmore
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