Kojo Melché Roney

Kojo Melché Roney is a dynamic jazz drummer and composer, widely recognized as one of the most exciting young voices in contemporary jazz. Born into a family of jazz innovators—his father Antoine Roney (saxophonist) and uncle Wallace Roney (trumpeter) - Kojo was immersed in music from an early age. By age 8, he embarked on his first European tour, and by 11, he was handpicked by Alicia Keys to appear in a national Levi’s campaign. Now only 20 years old, he has already performed internationally with jazz legends and leads his own groundbreaking projects, seamlessly blending tradition and innovation.

Kojo’s Indigenous American (Saponi Sioux) ancestry deeply informs his artistic vision, shaping his connection to rhythm, improvisation, and musical storytelling. This heritage inspires a spiritual depth in his playing, bringing a unique sense of flow, freedom, and ancestral resonance to his music. Through his drumming, he merges the rich traditions of his roots with the boundless energy of free-er jazz, creating a sound that is both deeply grounded and forward-looking.

Notable Collaborations & Performances

Kojo has worked with an impressive roster of jazz luminaries, including:

● Wallace Roney, Antoine Roney, Ron Carter, Buster Williams, Chick Corea, Gary Bartz, Hamiet Bluiett and Cindy Blackman Santana.

● At age 9, he sat in for Al Foster at the legendary Village Vanguard in NYC.

● Has toured across Europe, Africa, and North America, with performances in France, Italy, Switzerland, Israel, and Ivory Coast.

● Recently headlined two Sold Out shows at Blue Note NYC, leading a tribute to Max Roach featuring NEA Jazz Master Buster Williams and DJ Logic.

Kojo is not just a drummer—he is a storyteller and innovator. His 2024 debut album Psychedelic (AWAL/Sony) showcases his visionary approach to jazz and rhythm, merging jazz with cinematic soundscapes. He is also expanding into film and multimedia, having appeared in:

● Quincy Jones’s QWEST.TV series “One Night Stand” (2022).

● “Kojo: A Short Documentary” (2016, award-winning film on his early career).

● “Golden Ghosts”, his latest audiovisual project.

● Shawn Mendes’s music video for “It’ll Be Okay”, further demonstrating his versatility across genres and mediums.

● Starred in independent film “Paris is in Harlem” (2019 award-winning film)

The Kojo “Melché” Roney Live Performance Experience

Kojo Melché Roney leads a high-energy, forward-thinking ensemble, featuring bass, and the masterful saxophone of his father, Antoine Roney. His performances are a bold fusion of tradition and innovation, balancing deep jazz roots with electrifying improvisation, avant-garde visuals, and immersive storytelling.

Each performance is an experience—Kojo’s polyrhythmic mastery and explosive creativity drive the music forward, while his use of experimental video elements enhances the audience’s sensory engagement. Critics have praised his ability to seamlessly integrate complex rhythms with raw emotional expression, making every show a dynamic, unpredictable, and unforgettable journey through the evolution of jazz.