Ezinma...Meet Classical Bae

Ezinma, otherwise known as "Classical Bae," the ultra-talented, classically trained violinist who catapulted into digital stardom when she began performing covers of viral trap hits on her violin, including "Mask Off" by Future, "Gucci Gang" by Lil Pump and "Rockstar" by Post Malone. She was then approached with an offer to be a part of an all-female band, which unknowingly turned out to be alongside mega super star, Beyoncé. Ezinma accompanied her on the Formation World Tour and was part of history when she performed alongside Beyoncé in 2018 when the singer became the first African-American to headline the famous Coachella, better known as "Beychella" by fans. Ezinma has worked with other artists including Clean Bandit, Sza, Yo Yo Man, Kendrick Lamar and Joshua Bell and has gained the attention of Stevie Wonder, Mac Miller, A$AP Ferg, and countless others.

Ezinma's style cannot be limited to one genre. Her music is a blend of virtuosic melodies and orchestral soundscapes with hard hitting beats"a classical fusion that is cinematic, orchestral and athematic with ambient vibes. This fusion, this juxtaposition of seemingly unrelated worlds, allows Ezinma to connect with diverse audiences and communicate her passion in a way that is uniquely her own.

Growing up, there was a mélange of music booming from the stereo: Parliament, Bill Monroe, Bob Marley, Van Morrison, Billie Holiday, Earth Wind and Fire, Bob Dylan, and Roberta Flack to name a few. These artists"along with her classical study of Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart"were influential in her development and continue to inspire her today. A true creative, Ezinma finds additional inspiration from many different art forms, including visual art and paintings, the people in New York and from artists such as Hiatus Kaiyote, Kendrick Lamar, Flume, Thundercat, to name a few. 

In addition to her music, Ezinma is launching her own nonprofit foundation called "Heart Strings" and wants to do more to pave the way for other African-American artists looking to conquer the classical realm and for those wanting to use the violin in a more contemporary space. Ezinma resides in Brooklyn, NY and enjoys dancing, fashion, beauty (hair and makeup), kickboxing and running.

MORE ABOUT EZINMA

Ezinma first picked up the violin when she was three-years old. Born in Lincoln, Nebraska to a Georgetown Guyanese father and German-American mother, Ezinma's mixed cultural and ethnic background influenced her musical upbringing and molded her into the versatile artist she is today.  As a mixed race girl being raised in the Midwest, Ezinma felt she didn't belong, but found her home and comfort in music. Her mother brought fun and creativity to daily life, while her father focused on teaching her about discipline and dedication. Her talent was noticeable from a young age and she played in the junior orchestra and then the middle school orchestra. When auditioning for the middle school orchestra, Ezinma had a life changing moment when she placed third chair, not first as she expected. It was at this time that she realized lessons her father told her at an early age, "people aren't going to see you for your talent, but your skin color," and "it isn't enough to be good, you need to be the best," were happening to her. Knowing she deserved to be first chair, Ezinma stood up for her talent and challenged the system to take her rightful first chair spot.

Not believing that there was a spot for herself in the classical music scene that was dominated by the white patriarchy, Ezinma went to study at the University of Nebraska and double majored in Biochemistry and Violin Performance with a minor in Mathematics. In 2012, she decided to pursue her dreams and moved to New York City to complete a master's degree program at The New School, where she finally felt her differences were celebrated. While classical music will always be a passion for Ezinma, she felt a strong need to present the world with a different side of her and a new context for the classical violin.

@Ezinma