BIOGRAPHY

Godwin Louis, the accomplished saxophonist, composer, educator, philanthropist, humanitarian and entrepreneur is a trailblazer in the world of music and beyond. Born in Harlem, New York, raised in Bridgeport, CT and Port Au Prince, Haiti into a multicultural background rooted in Haitian heritage.

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As an acclaimed alto saxophonist, Godwin has graced stages around the globe including: Mali, Senegal, Togo, France, Finland, Spain, United Kingdom, Italy, Russia, Azerbaijan, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Venezuela, Brazil, South Korea, Indonesia and Australia.

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A graduate of Berklee College of Music, and the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute Of Jazz Performance, Godwin has studied and performed with Herbie Hancock, Clark Terry, Roger Dickerson, Ron Carter, Al Foster, Billy Preston, Patti Labelle, Toni Braxton, Prince, Babyface, Madonna, Barry Harris, Howard Shore, Mulatu Astakte, Mahmoud Ahmed, Wynton Marsalis, The New York Philharmonic Orchestra just to name a few.

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As an educator, Godwin is a professor at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. As a humanitarian and ambassador, Godwin has traveled from Benin to China to help promote cross-cultural understanding and introduce thousands to America’s indigenous art form, through public concerts, master classes, and jam sessions. Godwin is the founder of Experience Ayiti, a nonprofit educational, multidisciplinary arts organization.

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Godwin has cultivated a diverse musical palette, seamlessly blending jazz, gospel, classical, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and global sounds. His compositions serve as a testament to his creative depth, exploring the intersections of tradition and innovation.

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In addition, Godwin has performed as a sideman, guest soloist and has conducted clinics and master classes worldwide. As a composer and arranger, Godwin has received a Grammy nomination for his work on world-renowned vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant's album titled Mélusine, the Jerome Foundation Emerging Artist Grant, and the Jazz Gallery's "New Works Commission".

 

In 2021, The Godwin Louis Rooftop club opened in Lomé, Togo. Located at El Doria Hotel, The Godwin Louis Rooftop is dedicated to performances and educational programs that promote music education in Africa.

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Godwin’s debut album as a leader, entitled “Global”, was released in February 2019. Godwin’s upcoming album Psalms and Proverbs will be released in April of 2024 on the Blue Room Music Label.