Moses Boyd is a dynamic British jazz drummer and composer known for his innovative fusion of jazz, grime, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. With a rich musical heritage and a string of acclaimed projects, including his Mercury Prize-nominated album "Dark Matter," Boyd is reshaping the contemporary jazz landscape while collaborating with artists across genres.
Moses Boyd is a prolific British jazz drummer, composer, record producer, bandleader, and radio host, born on April 30, 1991, in Catford, South London. A prominent figure in the modern jazz scene, Boyd carries the rich heritage of his West Indian roots, specifically Dominican and Jamaican.
Boyd's journey in music began at the age of 13 when he picked up the drums. Heavily influenced by jazz icons like Miles Davis and contemporary grime artists such as Dizzee Rascal, his musical tastes and skills developed quickly. Moses refined his talent at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, where he graduated with a degree in jazz drums. He also participated in the Tomorrow's Warriors jazz education program, which champions music education with a touch of community and cultural heritage.
In 2014, Boyd teamed up with saxophonist Binker Golding to form the duo Binker & Moses. They have released four albums, garnering several accolades including a MOBO Award and two Jazz FM Awards. He also leads a band called Moses Boyd Exodus, releasing several mixtapes, and founded his own record label, Exodus Records, in 2017.
Boyd's solo music venture began with the EP "Absolute Zero" in 2017 and continued with "Displaced Diaspora" in 2018. His full-length solo album "Dark Matter," released in 2020, received critical acclaim and a Mercury Prize nomination.
Boyd has worked with many renowned artists like Beyoncé, Little Simz, Lonnie Liston Smith, Floating Points, and other key figures in the music industry. His accolades include multiple awards such as Best Jazz Act at the MOBO Awards in 2015 and 2017, and the John Peel Play More Jazz Award. Furthermore, Boyd is also a familiar voice on radio, having been a resident host on BBC Radio 1Xtra and guest host for Gilles Peterson on BBC Radio 6 Music.
Boyd's music harmoniously blends jazz, grime, electronic music, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms, reflecting his diverse influences - from jazz and reggae to Afrobeat and spiritual drumming. His London upbringing and connections to various cultural sounds are evident in his work. Boyd is renowned for seamlessly integrating electronic elements with organic jazz instrumentation, pushing the boundaries of modern jazz.
Moses Boyd's innovative approach has emerged as pivotal in revitalizing the jazz genre among younger demographics and redefining contemporary music boundaries.
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