Mankwe Ndosi is celebrated for a sound and practice that spans genres and disciplines: celebrating influences from Jazz and African legacies, Hip Hop and Soul, performance art, theater, public art and improvisation. She tours and performs nationally and internationally, including appearances with Nicole Mitchell and Ballake Sissoko in France and Switzerland; The Bridge #9 – an all improv nine city tour through France; Minneapolis, Chicago, and Boston performances in the world premiere of “River See,” Sharon Bridgforth’s Theatrical-Jazz masterwork; and performances with mentor and Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) stalwart Douglas Ewart. Her studio and live work has included dates with Laurie Carlos, Ananya Dance Theater, Brother Ali and Atmosphere. Ndosi defines herself as a Culture Worker – an artist using creative practice to nurture and be useful to her community, her ancestors, and the earth. She is especially invested in bringing people together to excavate, author, and share stories. She has a Bachelor’s degree in social and political theory focused on economics and women’s studies from Harvard University. She has a history of community leadership that includes board membership, program development, teaching, designing and hosting community festivals, and directing the Center for Independent Artists in South Minneapolis.