Kalil Amar Wilson

Kalil Wilson’s bright re-imaginings of jazz standards and originals are informed by the rich history of great jazz singing and meld with their heartfelt, eclectic stylings. An Oakland native, they are the offsping of Nigerian bassist/bandleader Babá Ken Okulolo and an American mom with a record collection of vintage jazz, African, R&B, and salsa. Mentored by the Oakland Youth Chorus and the Young Musicians Program at UC Berkeley, they then went on to UCLA’s Voice and Opera program while earning an honors degree in ethnomusicology. Yet they found themself gravitating back to jazz, and were encouraged in that pursuit by jazz legend Kenny Burrell. Since their first album, “Easy to Love,” critics and audiences alike have fallen in love with their music.

Kalil has the gift! I know it when I hear it. He is anointed.”

- Carlos Santana