Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations

Lionel Loueke Fusing Jazz, African Sounds

Lionel Loueke's professional life changed in 2001 when he auditioned for The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz.

His judges: jazz greats Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter. Instead of being intimidated, Loueke seized the moment.

The African guitarist is now one of the most in-demand jazz guitarists in the world.

He speaks with Farai Chideya about his career and latest CD, Gilfema+2.

Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.