N’Kenge

N’Kenge, an alumna of The Juilliard School (MM ’99, voice) and Manhattan School of Music, quickly established her career in opera and musical theatre. After graduating, she performed in the New York City Opera’s “The Mother of Us All” and joined the Virginia Opera’s young artist program. She debuted as Musetta in “La bohème” with the Virginia Opera and performed with opera companies in Italy, the Czech Republic, and Israel, including a solo recital in Munich. Her career took a significant turn when she joined the Broadway production of “3 Mo’ Divas,” a show where three opera singers performed in eight different styles. This experience marked a transition from classical opera to a broader range of musical performances.

Following “3 Mo’ Divas,” N’Kenge continued her Broadway presence, debuting in “Sondheim on Sondheim” alongside notable performers like Barbara Cook, Vanessa Williams, and Norm Lewis. She originated the role of Mary Wells in Broadway’s “Motown: The Musical” and later played the Moon in “Caroline, Or Change.” During her time in “Motown,” she also became a mother. In addition to her stage work, she has performed as a soloist at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, and Madison Square Garden. She has also headlined pop and opera concerts with major orchestras, including the Houston Symphony, Seattle Symphony, Jacksonville Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony, and Cleveland Orchestra. Her performances have included jazz greats such as Ornette Coleman and Wynton Marsalis.

Currently, N’Kenge focuses on writing, producing, and performing. She is the lead producer and star of a Broadway-bound musical about Dorothy Dandridge, which premiered at Carnegie Hall on July 17. She has also developed a music drama-comedy television show titled “Black Butterfly,” which is gaining interest from networks. N’Kenge has been recognized with nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical by the Helen Hayes Awards and the Arizoni Theater Awards for her roles in “Aida” and “3 Mo’ Divas.” She is also a recognized recording artist, releasing singles such as ‘Goosebump Moment’ and the album ‘CenterStage: Live from the Ella Fitzgerald Festival’.