Lakecia Benjamin is a New York-born alto saxophonist, composer, and bandleader who has become one of the most prominent voices in contemporary jazz. Raised in Washington Heights, she trained at The New School under mentors including Gary Bartz and Reggie Workman, and built her reputation touring with Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, and The Roots. Her 2023 album Phoenix - recorded after surviving a near-fatal car accident - earned three Grammy nominations and an NAACP Image Award nomination, while its 2024 live companion Phoenix Reimagined added two more. A six-time Grammy nominee, she released her sixth studio album We Dream in June 2026 on Artwork Records.
Lakecia Benjamin released her sixth studio album We Dream on June 5, 2026 via Artwork Records, featuring Terence Blanchard, Hiromi, Chris Potter, and co-producer Kassa Overall.
Benjamin performed at the Moers Festival 2026 in Germany, where she was described as delivering a thunderous finale.
Benjamin received her sixth Grammy nomination - Best Jazz Performance for the standalone single 'Noble Rise' featuring Immanuel Wilkins - at the 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony.
Benjamin won Alto Saxophonist of the Year at the Jazz Journalists Association Awards in 2024.
Benjamin received the Deutscher Jazzpreis for Best International Wind Instrumentalist in 2023.
Concert by American saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, an artist known for her experimental approach to jazz and contemporary music.
A jazz evening with saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin and the hr-Bigband orchestra in Darmstadt.
