Kiku Collins has established herself at the heights of pop, jazz and R&B. This former “Jersey Girl” followed music on a journey out of her small town and onto the biggest stages in the world. According to Jazz Journal International, “Ms. Collins plays trumpet and flugelhorn like a twenty-first century Miles Davis.”
Collins has performed with Beyonce, Michael Bolton, Jill Scott, Nick Lowe, Gloria Gaynor, Train, et al. She’s performed on the Today Show, Oprah Winfrey, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, at the White House for President Obama, The Rachel Ray Show, The View, the Black Girls Rock Awards on BET, Ellen Degeneres, the Grammys, in addition to appearances at several international jazz festivals.
Collins boasts two recordings as a leader, to her credit. Innova Records said about her debut recording, “Here With Me” that “Kiku puts a flugelhorn to her lips and animals come to listen, it’s so sweet.” Her newest recording, “Red Light” showcases her unique abilities as composer, performer and producer and includes notable guest performances by Michael Lington and Al Chez.
Collins has played leading roles in the off-broadway productions, “Fire Island” and “Degeneracy” with 3 Legged Dog. She has also appeared in commercials for Metro PCS, Marshall’s, VH1, and NY Sports Clubs. And most recently, as the character Loretta and trumpet player in Paul Levine’s production, “Big Maybelle” starring Lillias White – which is being pitched for a Broadway run in the near future.
Collins continues to keep a busy schedule as a performer and clinician for Getzen Musical Instruments and spends much of her time creating new music in her recording studio.
