How to Hire MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO For Your Event!
BOOKING FEE (booking price, booking cost).
aka: Michelle Lynn Johnson, Meshell Suhaila Bashir-Shakur, Me’Shell Ndegéocello
Born in: Germany
Raised in: Washington, DC
Based in: New York
Based in: Brooklyn
Hire: Meshell Ndegeocello
GRAMMY award-winning Meshell Ndegeocello was born to a military family, as her father, Jacques Johnson, was a U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and a saxophonist. Raised in Washington, D.C., she grew up in a musically rich environment, influenced by the city’s vibrant go-go music scene. She attended Duke Ellington School of the Arts and later Howard University, where she further honed her musical skills.
Career Beginnings & Breakthrough
During the late 1980s, Ndegeocello became a prominent figure in Washington, D.C.’s music scene, playing bass and performing under the name Meshell Suhaila Bashir. She later adopted the name Meshell Ndegeocello, which means “free like a bird” in Swahili.
In the early 1990s, she became one of the first artists signed to Madonna’s Maverick Records. Her debut album, “Plantation Lullabies” (1993), showcased her blend of funk, soul, jazz, and hip-hop, with socially conscious lyrics. The album featured the hit single “If That’s Your Boyfriend (He Wasn’t Last Night),” which earned her a Grammy nomination.
Hire Meshell Ndegeocello for your festival or concert plans! (t,s)
Major Career Highlights & Discography
Meshell Ndegeocello has released more than a dozen albums, each reflecting her deep musicianship, genre-defying style, and willingness to experiment.
- “Plantation Lullabies” (1993) – A mix of funk, jazz, and R&B with themes of race, gender, and sexuality.
- “Peace Beyond Passion” (1996) – Nominated for a Grammy, this album addressed religious and social issues, featuring the hit “Leviticus: Faggot.”
- “Bitter” (1999) – A more introspective, stripped-down album that leaned toward folk and jazz influences.
- “Cookie: The Anthropological Mixtape” (2002) – A politically charged album inspired by black history and activism.
- “Comfort Woman” (2003) – A departure into psychedelic and reggae influences.
- “The World Has Made Me the Man of My Dreams” (2007) – A fusion of electronic, rock, and jazz sounds.
- “Weather” (2011) – A mellow, intimate album with personal storytelling.
- “Comet, Come to Me” (2014) – A mix of funk, soul, and covers, including a reimagining of Whodini’s “Friends.”
- “Ventriloquism” (2018) – A covers album featuring interpretations of 1980s and ’90s R&B classics.
- “The Omnichord Real Book” (2023) – A genre-blending, experimental work that further cements her legacy.
Musical Style & Influence
Meshell Ndegeocello’s music spans multiple genres, including R&B, funk, jazz, hip-hop, soul, and rock. She has been a key influence in the neo-soul movement, inspiring artists like Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, and Jill Scott. Her bass-playing skills are widely respected, and she has collaborated with artists such as Prince, John Mellencamp, The Rolling Stones, and Herbie Hancock.
Personal Life & Legacy
Ndegeocello is openly bisexual and has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and racial equality. Her music often explores themes of love, identity, politics, and spirituality.
Her legacy is that of an artist who never conformed to industry expectations, instead forging a unique path that continues to influence and inspire musicians across generations.
How do I book Meshell Ndegeocello? See below.
Hire Meshell Ndegeocello for your party or event!
Learn booking fee and availability.
How much does it cost to book Meshell Ndegeocello? See below.
Meshell Ndegeocello may be available for your next special event!
What is the Meshell Ndegeocello booking fee? See below.
Book Meshell Ndegeocello, now!
For other great suggestions for booking music acts, look here.
Check Meshell Ndegeocello tour dates:
Watch Meshell Ndegeocello Videos:
Listen to Meshell Ndegeocello:
- Hire Meshell Ndegeocello. -