Meshell Ndegeocello

About Meshell Ndegeocello

Born Michelle Lynn Johnson in Washington, D.C., Ndegeocello adopted the phonetic spelling of her first name and the Swahili name Ndegeocello, meaning “free like a bird,” as her last name. Known for her fusion of soul music with rock and reggae, she is widely credited as the facilitator of the neo-soul movement in the 1990s.

Ndegeocello began her career in the go-go music scene of Washington D.C. with such bands as Rare Essence and Little Bennie and the Masters. After auditioning for various bands, she released her Grammy-nominated debut album, Plantation Lullabies.

Throughout her storied career, Ndegeocello has worked with John Mellencamp, Madonna, Chaka Khan, Indigo Girls, and The Rolling Stones among others. She is a notable voice in the LGBTQ+ community and has continued to be an outspoken advocate for gay rights through her artwork and music.

Meshell Ndegeocello brings her groundbreaking work No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin to The Wright for an unforgettable evening of music, reflection, and artistic exploration.

About The Wright Performances

The Wright Performances is a multidisciplinary series of performance works created by critically acclaimed American artists. As a companion to The Wright’s Exhibitions and Public Programs, the series complements the holistic exploration of the profound impact of African American artists and historians on cultures throughout the world.