Cleveland Watkiss

Cleveland Watkiss is a renowned British vocalist, composer, and actor, widely celebrated for his remarkable versatility and influential presence in the contemporary music scene. Born in East London to Jamaican parents, Watkiss began his musical journey as a self-taught singer, quickly establishing himself through London’s burgeoning jazz, reggae, and electronic music scenes in the 1980s and 1990s. He co-founded the pioneering Jazz Warriors collective, working alongside some of the UK's most significant black jazz musicians, and subsequently became a founding member of the trailblazing drum and bass group Project 23.

With a finely-honed voice renowned for its incredible range and improvisational dexterity, Watkiss has collaborated with a dazzling array of international artists, including Courtney Pine, John Taylor, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the great Stevie Wonder. His innovative solo performances frequently employ live looping and electronics, exploring the boundaries between jazz, classical, reggae, and avant-garde genres. A Mercury Music Prize nominee and recipient of numerous accolades, including an MBE for services to music, Cleveland Watkiss remains an influential force in UK music, dedicated to education, collaboration, and breaking new artistic ground.