Etuk Ubong

• Garden Stage
  Friday 10•July•2026
  17:50•
  TicketsSold out

  
• Garden Stage
  Friday 10•July•2026
  19:35•
  Sold out

  

Etuk Ubong stands out as one of the most compelling artists on Nigeria’s contemporary jazz scene. The trumpeter draws inspiration from Afrobeat, while blending that tradition with influences from 1970s spiritual jazz. Repetitive grooves and raw energy merge to create meditative compositions charged with political and social consciousness. His acclaimed album 'Africa Today’ perfectly captures this approach. Exploring themes such as colonial legacy, corruption, and social inequality, this music delivers a message of urgency without ever descending into sloganizing. At its core lies Ubong’s desire not to divide, but to unite.

That same spirit resonates even more intensely in his live performances. Together with his band, Ubong creates a vibrant collective energy where improvisation and groove unfold through expansive, trance-like compositions. The result is a rich, multi-layered experience that feels almost ritualistic — an experience that is sure to make an impact on Gent Jazz audiences this summer.