Tank and the Bangas

Cecily

Vocalist and songwriter Cecily (pronounced Ses-Suh-Lee) is known for her agile soprano and honest lyrics. The Washington, DC native has a rich, soothing sound rooted in mid-century Soul and Jazz. Often drawing comparisons to Minnie Riperton and Amel Larrieux, her music is imbued with a unique sensuality that informs not only her vocal approach, but also her self-reflecting lyrics.

Cecily has been heralded for her poetic writing style. Grounded in an easy vulnerability, her lyrics speak of deep lessons around self-acceptance, freedom, community and love. 

Praised across all the musical worlds from which she draws influence, Cecily featured on modern jazz stylist José James’ project No Beginning No End 2. She has opened for award winning jazz and soul artists Gregory Porter, Ezra Collective, Nate Smith, and Maysa, R&B stars Johnny Gill, Kenny Lattimore and Elle Varner, folk artist Becca Stevens and alternative soul pioneer Bilal.

Cecily has been featured at the Essence Festival of Culture, Capital Jazz Fest, The Atlanta Jazz Festival and DC Jazz Festival. She has performed multiple times at the legendary Blues Alley and Apollo Music Café, as well as The Kennedy Center, The Hamilton, Howard Theater, and at the VI Annual Mompox, Colombia Jazz Festival, having been invited by the US Embassy.

“Her celestial vocal register and authentic lyrics place her in a lane that few can occupy.” – Soulbounce

Akinola Pedro

Amuche The Poet

Amuchechukwu Nwafor (Amuche The Poet) is a DC-based poet and first-generation born Black American whose poetry touches on the diaspora, sexual advocacy, mental health, and the female experience. Amuche considers her poems to be still life paintings of intimate experiences, emotions and observations.

She is currently the 2026 Sterling A. Brown Teaching Artist-in-Residence Fellow. Amuche co-hosts and curates “Poetry Gallery” a monthly poetry open mic at Station 3510 in Mt. Rainier, MD. She is the author of her debut poetry collection, Salt Water Roots (Day Eight, 2024). Through her writing she aspires to heal, grow and inspire people from all different walks of life.