Connell Thompson Sax Saxophonist from New York City, NY

Connell Thompson is a NYC based saxophonist and serial viral performer. His silky tone, soulful chops, and high energy performances have made him a staple in the New York and international music scene. With bright red hair, engaging dance moves, and a signature sound, he immediately turns any performance into an unforgettable experience. His renditions of Afrobeats and RnB hits gained him an enthusiastic following both in the New York subways and on social media. His first viral video, performing in Union Square NYC in 2018, gained millions of views and was reposted by legend Snoop Dogg. He went viral again later that year, playing Runtown’s international hit “Mad Over You,” after which he was invited to perform in Lagos, Nigeria at the SoundGod festival. In 2020, he was reposted by The Shade Room for his joy inspiring performance at an outdoor graduation ceremony, during a time when so many were afraid to play. His fire escape fundraising concerts, inspired by the 7pm musical salutes to the Covid health care workers throughout city, have gotten coverage in NBC New York, NHK Japan Public TV, and The Gothamist, and reposted on the popular @whatisnewyork IG, receiving praise by artist Ella Mai for his band's cover of her song “Naked.” He has performed worldwide with the band Kingsmen, touring with Nigerian and Ghanaian superstars Wizkid, Fireboy DML, Ayra Starr, Black Sherif, Stonebwoy and many others. In 2023 he performed on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon with Asake and The Compozers in the Spring, and again in the Fall with Grammy nominated artist and Afrobeats Legend Davido. He has performed with eclectic groups and venues including BB KINGS and The Blue Note NYC with Motown band Decade of Soul, The Kennedy Center in Washington DC with classical/hip hop fusion group Shouthouse, The Otis Mountain Festival with his original Balkan party band Tipsy Oxcart.