Xhosa Cole

Xhosa Cole is a distinctive voice in British jazz, known for his expressive tenor saxophone playing and deeply collaborative approach to music-making. A student and later educator connected with Trinity Laban, Cole is part of a lineage of alumni driving UK jazz innovation.

Cole has performed and recorded with artists including Soweto Kinch, Courtney Pine and percussionists such as Lekan Babalola. He has appeared at the BBC Proms, composed for orchestras, and contributed to projects spanning jazz, classical and experimental music.

He first came to prominence after winning BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year in 2018, followed by Jazz Newcomer of the Year at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards in 2019 and further recognition including Jazz FM honours. His debut album K(no)w Them, K(no)w Us (2021) showcased both technical mastery and reverence for jazz tradition, while subsequent releases such as Ibeji (2022) and On a Modern Genius Vol. 1 (2025) highlight his vision.

Rooted in Birmingham’s community music culture yet internationally recognised, Cole’s artistry bridges tradition and innovation, making him a central figure in the future of UK jazz.