Femi Temowo - (Rick Leon James & Friends Presents)
Rick Leon James & Friends Presents
Welcome to Rick Leon James & Friends Presents a dynamic weekly Monday night live music series curated by acclaimed musician and band leader, Rick Leon James. Each week, Rick brings his signature style and energy to the stage, joined by a special guest headliner who adds their unique flair to the evening. From soulful jazz to electrifying funk, bebop, reggae and everything in between. These unforgettable performances promise to captivate and inspire, making Monday nights a celebration of exceptional talent and musical artistry. Join us for a night of extraordinary music where every performance is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Nigerian-born, MOBO-nominated, UK-based composer, guitarist and vocalist, well known for his work with artists such as Amy Winehouse, Dee Dee Bridgewater, The Roots and Soweto Kinch presenting his new project.
Femi Temowo was born in 1976 in Akure, Nigeria, and moved to London at the age of 10. He began playing guitar when he was 17 and was playing professionally by the age of 21.
When talking about his music, he explains that while connected to his Nigerian roots, he is exploring his cultural background from the perspective of someone born in Nigeria but living as a British person in the UK.
Early benchmarks in Femi's career include being approached by critically acclaimed jazz saxophonist and UK Hip Hop artist Soweto Kinch, who asked him to become part of his newly formed quartet in 2002. His phenomenally successful collaborations with Soweto culminated in a nomination for the Mercury Music Prize, a BBC Jazz award for best new group and several MOBO awards.
Femi's slick and melodic guitar sound has earned him a place beside many great musicians and artists from across many genres, having played with the likes of – George Benson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Courtney Pine, The Roots, Omar, Roachford, Amy Winehouse, Jason Rebello, Eska Mtungwazi, Soweto Kinch, Terri Walker, Jean Toussaint, Don Blackman, Michal Urbaniak and many more.
