Koloah & Dennis Adu (Ukraine)

The atmospheric performance by Dennis Adu and Dmitriy Avksentiev aka Koloah (formed in 2020), was certainly one of the highlights of the European Jazz Conference 2022 in Sofia, Bulgaria. Their duo concerts include a mix of prepared pieces and improvisation where Adu’s dreamy and ethereal trumpet sounds intertwine with Avksentiev’s sometimes cheerful, sometimes ominous soundscape.

The Kyiv-based, temporarily displaced producer and musician Koloah has significantly impacted the Ukrainian electronic scene. Producing in different genres, he is also strongly connected to the film and theatre industry, working with moviemakers and visual artists.

Born in Ghana and moved to Ukraine with his family at the age of two, trumpet player Dennis Adu has participated in international festivals and competitions and won the “Do#Dж Junior” award (The Best Trumpet Player) in 2007. In 2009 in this competition he became the winner in nominations “The Best Musician in Ukraine” and “The Best Arrangement of Jazz Standard”. Since 2012 he leads his eponymous quintet, sextet, septet and big band.