Theon Cross

Theon Cross

Theon Cross is a London-based tuba player and composer. His work centres on jazz, with strong links to afrobeat and experimental electronic music, and he is known for using the tuba as a bass instrument in a range of styles.

Career

Cross is most closely associated with the award-winning four-piece Sons of Kemet, where he contributes his distinctive tuba sound. He also works with a wide group of other musicians, including Moses Boyd, Jon Batiste & Stay Human, Pharoahe Monch, Emeli Sandé and Kano.

Alongside his collaboration work, he leads his own group and uses it to explore the musical character of London through his compositions.

Releases and recognition

His debut release, Aspirations, appears in 2015 and brings him two nominations: Best Instrumentalist of the Year at the Jazz FM Awards and Best Jazz Newcomer at the Parliamentary Awards. His second release, Fyah, follows in 2019.