Iconic jazz trumpeter and Grammy-award winning artist, Owuor Arunga is a huge influencer in modern day music.  His sounds can be heard throughout today's hip hop and popular blockbusters all over the world.  He is one of the world's outstanding trumpet players, as proven in Mackelmore's 2012 smash hit, 'Thrift Shop'. 

 

Born in Kisumu, Kenya, Arunga moved to New York City in the early 2000s, where he studied in The New School's Jazz & Contemporary Music Program.  Early in his career, Arunga had the opportunity to play alongside musical greats such as Charlie Persip, Candido Camero, Billy Bang, The Cadillacs, Robert Glasper, Louis Reyes Rivera, Olu Dara, Jimmy Owens, and Chico Freeman.

 

In 2005 Arunga recorded with Ahmed Abdullah, and was given the nickname of 'The Pied Piper' by his elder musicians, one of the many nicknames he would earn throughout his career. He has also been termed "Sweet Prince of the Ghetto" and more commonly known, as "The Sultan of Swag". 

 

Arunga has played with Seattle hip hop acts 'Physics' and 'Black Stax' in addition to collaborations with Coke Studio Africa.  He serves as Artistic Director for One Vibe Africa, an organization that educates the general public about Kenyan culture, promotes the arts, and uses its creative programs and events in the United States to promote social welfare, and economic empowerment.  One Vibe africa is the leading force behind Madaraka Festival, Kijiji Nights, and One Vibe House Concerts.

 

Arunga is currently touring internationally alongside Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, as the official trumpet player for Mackelmore’s “The Heist” album & world tour.  Check for upcoming tour dates alongside Mackelmore & Ryan Lewis..