Howard University's

Premier  Vocal  Jazz Ensemble​

Audition for

Afro Blue

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TO ALL

Howard University students

Latest

NEWS

Our Documentary, "Afro Blue: A year in the Life"

was just voted Best DC Film 2020 in the DC Black Film Festival. 

Play Video

Congratulations to

T.L. Benton of Mecca Filmworks

Latest

Video

Life is A Journey

UPCOMING EVENTS

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PRESS

As vocal groups go, Afro Blue has to be at or near the top of anyone’s list. And there’s no doubt it is enunciating jazz, albeit jazz of a slightly uncommon variety. But no matter its guise or purpose, the music speaks for itself, and its rating rests on individual and collective excellence.

Jack Bowers

ALL ABOUT JAZZ​

The beautifully understated words include the phrases [from the jazz standard Afro Blue from which the ensemble takes its name] “undulating grace,” “elegant boy,” beautiful girl,” “shades of delight” and “cocoa hue.” Afro Blue is all that and more. Its members sing as one with nuance, ease and experience, as if they’ve been singing together for years. But they haven’t: The ensemble is ever-changing as students graduate and new members audition for a coveted spot in the line-up.

Suraya Mohamed

NPR

Howard Jazz means business

Michael J. West​

THE WASHINGTON POST​

BIO

ABOUT AFRO BLUE

Afro Blue was formed by Connaitre Miller in the spring of 2002. Now in their 18th year of existence, Afro Blue, the dynamic vocal jazz ensemble from Howard University, has performed to wide critical acclaim.  Singing music similar to the styles of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, The Manhattan Transfer and Take 6, while adding their own unique sound, Afro Blue continues to maintain a standard of excellence from year to year…

MUSIC

NEW ALBUM

Afro Blue honors the legacy of Donny Hathaway by releasing his classic song “This Christmas” on December 9, 2020 – 50 years from the initial release.  In keeping with their signature “vocal big band” sound, Afro Blue sings a swingin’ a cappella version.  With the clever use of Hathaway’s instrumental riff’s as backgrounds, walking bass line, vocal percussion, added soli section and vocal improvisations from stellar soloists, Tyree Austin and Ekep Nkwelle, Afro Blue offers a unique twist to this favorite Christmas classic.
Afro Blue honors the legacy of Donny Hathaway by releasing his classic song “This Christmas” on December 9, 2020 – 50 years from the initial release.  In keeping with their signature “vocal big band” sound, Afro Blue sings a swingin’ a cappella version.  With the clever use of Hathaway’s instrumental riff’s as backgrounds, walking bass line, vocal percussion, added soli section and vocal improvisations from stellar soloists, Tyree Austin and Ekep Nkwelle, Afro Blue offers a unique twist to this favorite Christmas classic.

NEW ALBUM

A great collection of jazz styles including hard swingin’ grooves, celebratory New-Orleans street beats, energetic Latin rhythms, dynamic gospel-inspired originals, and beautiful ballads. Excellent improvisations by stellar instrumentalists and vocalist 

MORE ALBUMS

That Is Love: Celebrating 15 Years of Afro Blue

That Is Love, Afro Blue’s 5th studio recording, pays tribute to the many jazz artists whose collective work has helped to shape the group’s musical journey.
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An Afro Blue Christmas

Fans of Afro Blue have been requesting a Christmas CD for years. The catalyst that finally prompted this project began with an invitation to perform at a Christmas party at The White House in December, 2013.
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Afro Blue - Jubilee

The educational experiences enjoyed by Afro Blue’s relationship with Ms. Allen are priceless and demonstrates her willingness to give back to her Alma Mater. Therefore, it is with great appreciation that we dedicate our 4th Afro Blue recording, Jubilee, to Ms. Geri Allen. We sincerely thank her for being such a positive role model.
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Afro Blue - The Best Is Yet To Come

The Best Is Yet To Come is Afro Blue’s third CD recording, and features an eclectic assortment of repertoire recorded between January 2010 and May 2011.
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Afro Blue - It's a Matter of Pride

is Afro Blue’s second CD recording. The title is taken from one of the movements of Billy Taylor’s jazz suite: Peaceful Warrior, written as a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. “If You Really Are Concerned Then Show It” is an additional selection from this same work.
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Afro Blue - Freedom in Song

Freedom In Song is a double-CD compilation of songs recorded by Afro Blue between the years of 2002-2008. This collection includes eight (8) new selections that have not been previously released on the Howard University Jazz Ensemble recordings. We hope you enjoy listening to this CD as much as we enjoyed recording it.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Previous Performances

PHOTO

GALLERY

2020

2019

2018

CONTACT

US

+1 (240) 475-2451