Emmanuel Michael
Emerging Jazz Maverick
Fresh, genre-blending guitar voice rooted in Ugandan & South Sudanese heritage, with bold jazz tradition and improvisational innovation.
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
Notable Collaborations
Upcoming Events
Emmanuel Michael & Jam Session
Close Up
guitar • Headliner
Caleb Wheeler Curtis "Ritual" Sextet
Smalls
guitar
Caleb Wheeler Curtis "Ritual" Sextet
Smalls
guitar
Caleb Wheeler Curtis Sextet
Smalls
guitar
Caleb Wheeler Curtis Sextet
Smalls
guitar
Marquis Hill
Village Vanguard
Guitar
Marquis Hill
Village Vanguard
Guitar
Marquis Hill
Village Vanguard
Guitar
Marquis Hill
Village Vanguard
Guitar
Marquis Hill
Village Vanguard
Guitar
Past Events
Emmanuel Michael & Jam Session
Close Up
guitar • Headliner
Eliza Salem Trio & Jam Session
Close Up
guitar
Emmanuel Michael & Jam Session
Close Up
guitar • Headliner
John Hébert Quartet
Close Up
guitar
John Hébert Quartet
Close Up
guitar
Eliza Salem Trio & Jam Session
Close Up
guitar
Emmanuel Michael & Jam Session
Close Up
guitar • Headliner
TJG 30th Anniversary Special Concert // GERALD CLAYTON
The Jazz Gallery
Guitar
TJG 30th Anniversary Special Concert // GERALD CLAYTON
The Jazz Gallery
Guitar
Emmanuel Michael & Jam Session
Close Up
guitar • Headliner