Soweto Kinch is a jazz composer and arranger, alto saxophonist, and rapper. Born in London in 1978, he is brought up in Birmingham and remains based there.

Background and training

After graduating from Oxford University with a degree in Modern History, he joins Tomorrow’s Warriors, a development organisation for young jazz musicians. He also records with Jazz Jamaica on the album Massive in 2001, which marks his recording debut. Around the same time, he forms his own trio.

Style and recordings

His music combines bebop-influenced jazz with hip-hop, soundscapes and spoken dialogue. Conversations With The Unseen appears in 2003, followed by A Life In The Day Of B19: Tales Of The Tower Block in 2006. Both albums develop a blend of jazz and rap, and the second is a concept album centred on life in Birmingham.