Classical Musicians of African Descent

WXXI Classical 91.5 is in the process of building a resource of photos and brief biographical information about musicians of African descent. This resource is by no means complete, and we rely on you to help us build the site by sharing your information. Please click on the alphabetical groupings below to begin your discovery.

Chi-chi Nwanoku, double bass

Classical 91.5 WXXO-FM | By classical intern

Published August 17, 2017 at 11:16 AM EDT

Ex-sprinter and half the size of her double bass, Chi-chi has gained a reputation as one of the finest exponents of her instrument today. She is the Founder, Artistic and Executive Director of the Chineke! Foundation, which supports and encourages Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) classical musicians in the UK, Europe and USA. Prizes include BBBAwards Person of the year 2016 and ABO Award 2017. In 2001, Chi-chi was awarded an MBE for Services to Music. She was a founding member and principal bassist of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, a position she held for 30 years.

More information can be found on her website.