Lakecia Benjamin

Lakecia Benjamin was born and raised in New York City, growing up in a Dominican neighborhood in Washington Heights, Manhattan. Her early musical experiences were rooted in Latin dance forms, playing merengue and salsa. She began studying the recorder in grade school, later moving to the saxophone in elementary school. Her interest in jazz developed during her time at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts, leading her to further her education at The New School in New York City.

Benjamin’s career began with notable engagements, including performing with Clark Terry in his band Young Titans of Jazz. She has toured extensively, sharing stages with a diverse range of artists such as Missy Elliott, Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, and The Roots. Her international presence includes performances on four continents and a notable appearance at President Barack Obama’s 2009 Inauguration. Benjamin released her debut album, “Retox,” in 2012, followed by “Rise Up” in 2018, and “Pursuance: The Coltranes” in 2020 which garnered significant acclaim. Her album “Phoenix” (2023) earned her three Grammy nominations.

Throughout her career, Lakecia Benjamin has demonstrated a commitment to both performance and composition, forming her band Soul Squad to feature her original works. She has been mentored by saxophonist Gary Bartz and has studied under esteemed musicians like Billy Harper, Reggie Workman, Buster Williams, and Joe Chambers. In September 2021, she was involved in a car accident that resulted in multiple injuries, including a broken jaw, from which she made a recovery, leading to the reflective themes in her subsequent work. Her continuous evolution as an artist and activator has established her as a prominent figure in contemporary music.