Grammy-nominated Thana Alexa is a vocalist with experimentation at the centre of her art. her music pushes the boundaries of the genre into new and unexplored territory with deep seeded roots in jazz and overtones of contemporary soul and world music. Her first appearance on Whirlwind sees her team up with fellow New York resident Michael Olatuja and regular collaborator Regina Carter on ‘The Hero’s Journey’ from Lagos Pepper Soup.

Her Grammy-nominated release ONA has spawned more female-focused projects, alongside Nicole Zuraitis and Julia Adamy as trio SONICA, as well as the projects Founding Mothers of Jazz and MusicTalks Concerts to promote the powerhouse women who helped build the jazz genre. She’s closely associated too with her husband (and fellow Whirlwind artist) Antonio Sanchez, with whom she has recorded three well-received albums.