Marcel Anderson is a neo-soul, R&B, and soul jazz artist whose voice blends smooth melodies, soulful storytelling, and electrifying stage presence. With chart-topping music, award-winning performances, and a career rooted in faith, family, and soul, Marcel creates live experiences that uplift, inspire, and deeply connect with audiences. His performance at NCSGJ is a celebration of culture, community, and sound — a true soul experience.

From South Carolina to Germany, Lukas Swing has built an impressive reputation as a rapper, vocalist, and cultural connector. Since his debut single “No Hesitation” in 2018, Lukas has consistently drawn attention for his ability to merge vulnerability with power — a rare combination that makes his music both deeply personal and widely relatable.

His hit record “Is You It” (feat. Jd Swank) helped propel his name to global stages and earned him international acclaim, including a Top 5 run for 17 consecutive weeks on the German GfK Entertainment Hip-Hop Charts. With his entrepreneurial management team, Lukas’s brand has grown beyond music — extending into media, interviews, and worldwide recognition.

With five career nominations and multiple awards — from Best Male Hip-Hop Artist to Best R&B Artist of 2025 — Lukas stands among a select few American artists to bridge both the Southern U.S. and European scenes. He’s currently climbing the Urban Billboard Charts, peaking at #4, surpassing names like J. Cole, Tyler the Creator, Warren G, and Kodak Black.

Authentic, innovative, and unstoppable — Lukas Swing is shaping the new era of global Hip-Hop and R&B.

South Carolina native Tia DuRant, known on stages across the Southeast as “The Princess of Soul,” brings a warm, dynamic, and deeply emotional sound rooted in gospel, classic soul, and contemporary R&B. From her early days singing in a Sumter church at age five to performing at the world-famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, Tia’s voice carries the depth of her journey — and the spirit of the legends who inspire her.

Smooth jazz favorite Oli Silk brings soulful keys, polished production, and irresistible energy to the NCSGJ 2026 stage. Known for hits like “Up to You” and “At Your Service,” he adds a vibrant international flavor to this year’s lineup.

For nearly two decades, Oli Silk has been one of smooth jazz’s most influential contemporary voices. The British keyboardist and producer earned chart-topping success with global radio favorites and has become a staple at festivals around the world.

His live performances are known for their high-energy blend of groove-driven keys, expressive solos, and a stage presence that lights up any venue. Oli’s wide-ranging musical collaborations include Brian Culbertson, Cindy Bradley, Julian Vaughn, Jonathan Fritzen, and more — cementing his place as one of the genre’s most versatile performers.

At the North Charleston Smooth & Gullah Jazz Music Festival, Oli brings a unique global artistry that perfectly complements the festival’s blend of smooth sophistication and Lowcountry cultural storytelling.

Ken Ford, known worldwide as The King of Strings, is a trailblazing electric violinist who’s redefined how audiences experience the instrument. From performing for Maya Angelou to sharing stages with icons like Stevie Wonder, Jill Scott, Ledisi, and Frankie Beverly, Ken’s vibrant fusion of jazz, R&B, funk, and soul electrifies every crowd he touches.

A St. Louis native raised in Atlanta, Ford transformed his classical violin foundation into an energetic stage presence that rivals rock guitarists. He’s graced the Grammys, ESPN’s Heisman Awards, the Capital Jazz Festival, and the NFL Super Bowl, bringing charisma and fire to every note. With five acclaimed albums—including Burnt Toast, Chevelle Lane, Right Now, State of Mind, and Eleven—Ken continues to expand the sound of contemporary jazz while giving back through his nonprofit, The Ken Ford Foundation, which inspires youth to rediscover the violin as a “cool” instrument.

“Ken Ford doesn’t just play the violin—he sets it ablaze.”

Steve Ray Ladson, a multi-talented musician and songwriter from Hopkins, South Carolina, has emerged as one of the most compelling voices in Country music. Rising to national prominence following his standout performance on America's Got Talent in July 2025, Ladson captivated audiences and judges alike with his original composition "Back of My Truck," earning unanimous approval from all four judges and advancing to the next round.

Perhaps most notably, Ladson is pioneering his own musical genre, which he calls "Blackgrass Brothercana." This innovative fusion combines bluegrass and country-Americana with elements of R&B, hip hop, rock, and soul, creating a sound that is both rooted in tradition and refreshingly contemporary.

Two-time Grammy and Stellar Award-nominated saxophonist Marcus Anderson is a standout artist with 15 studio albums and 5 Billboard number 1s. This Spartanburg, SC native fuses R&B, Pop, Rock, and Funk, topping Billboard's Smooth Jazz and Sirius XM's Watercolors charts. Having worked with the late Prince, appearing on his last release "Hit N Run Phase 2," Anderson has also shared stages with artists like Ceelo Green, Bobby Caldwell, Eric Benet, Stevie Wonder, and Brian Culbertson, contributing significantly to their touring bands.