Jazz master Branford Marsalis named WFU’s ‘Maya Angelou Artist-in-Residence’

Jazz musician Branford Marsalis has been named Wake Forest University’s 2025 Maya Angelou Artist-in-Residence. Marsalis, a globally celebrated artist known for his unparalleled contributions to jazz, classical music, film, and Broadway, will bring his vast experience and creative spirit to the Wake Forest campus.

The Maya Angelou Artist-in-Residence Award was established to bring world-renowned artists to campus for engagement with students, faculty, staff and the wider community. In 2023, the residency’s inaugural year, Emmy award-winning director and producer Debbie Allen was the first honoree. The residency is awarded every two years.

“Branford Marsalis embodies the versatility, depth and unwavering commitment to artistic integrity that define the spirit of the Maya Angelou Artist-in-Residence program,” said Wake Forest University President Susan R. Wente. “His ability to transcend musical genres while championing creative excellence and community engagement perfectly aligns with Dr. Angelou’s legacy of using art as a powerful force for connection and understanding.”

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